Jo Alphous from Harlow in Essex believes that our free training sessions and getting involved with us, has meant that she now has more to offer in life.

In a short space of time she has gone from mystery-shopper to becoming a Regional Committee Member who’s doing a qualification in Housing.

Jo has been a resident for over 11 years. She first moved into one of our homes when she gave birth to her son prematurely and needed a safe place to live. She feels that we have always been good to her and recently decided to get more involved with us.

“I was looking for ways to make my money go further. I saw a free money-saving course in The Communicator run by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Swan made it so easy to get involved.Everything was laid on - from travel expenses to get there, to lunch and child-care. All the normal obstacles were taken away.

I met residents who were involved in other panels. I didn’t think I could get involved with anything else as I didn’t have the training. It all sounded a bit technical to me.

But I did express an interest in the mystery shopping because I wanted to know more. After a meeting about it I thought, “Yeah, I can do this!” It was interesting and gave the opportunity to change things at Swan. You ring up with an enquiry and see how they deal with it. I wasn’t very good the first time as I wasn’t sure how to phrase things but the next time I found it a lot easier.

Swan asked me if I wanted to learn more about housing by doing a Chartered Institute of Housing level 2 course. I’m doing that now. It’s very useful and interesting, especially as they asked me if I wanted to join a Regional Committee. After an interview I was offered the position. I was really surprised that they felt I have something to contribute!

I now help improve services at Swan with other residents. I’m still learning at the moment, but everyone makes you feel welcome, so you don’t feel stupid for asking any questions.

I’ve had so many opportunities with Swan. Those opportunities have boosted my self-esteem and I feel I have more to offer now if I go for another job. The training I can use in my personal life and at the women’s refuge where I work.

Other people should get involved. Just do it - it’s enjoyable, all you can do is gain and you’ve got nothing to lose.

I can now walk with pride. I can say: “I am on the Regional Committee”. It still hasn’t sunk in yet!

The Resident Involvement Team have encouraged me and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing now”.

If you would like to get involved please contact the Resident Involvement and Community Development Team on 01277 844242 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it