Westward is a perfect pairing with Devon Rural Housing Partnership
Westward is a perfect pairing with Devon Rural Housing Partnership
Rural Housing Week showcases the fantastic work that housing associations do in rural communities. Westward Housing, based in the far south west of England, is committed to providing affordable homes that people love and in turn keep vital rural services and communities thriving.
As just one demonstration of our commitment, Devon Rural Housing Partnership has just appointed Westward’s Development Manager, Samantha Novak, as Co-chair. The organisation is a part of charity Devon Communities Together (DCT), which works to help local rural communities thrive.
Devon Rural Housing Partnership is currently made up of 4 local authorities and 7 housing associations (including Westward). The partnership works to deliver much needed homes in small villages and towns in Devon. They specialise in rural houses and their belief is that people shouldn’t have to move to urban areas for affordable homes. They’re passionate about providing vibrant, sustainable places for people to live.
Along with Tristan Peat from Mid Devon District Council, Sam will be helping to drive the partnership forward and increase awareness of the scheme.
“When the team at DCT suggested I become a Co-chair, I couldn’t believe it. I was incredibly humbled. They’re such a proactive organization, and it’s great to be a part of a scheme to drive forward rural housing. I’m excited to work with Tristan and combine our skills and experiences.”
Over the next few months, Samantha’s plans are to increase awareness of the work that they do.
“There are so many amazing things that the partnership do, but not everyone knows! A rebrand and website revamp are in the works so we can raise the profile and encourage others to join the partnership. I really have the drive and determination to push it forward.”
Samantha’s determination is plain to see. She joined Westward back in 2010, on a temporary contract doing filing and data entry in the finance team. “While in the office, I remember hearing a discussion about some repairs work that needed to be done. I said, that sounds like a lot of work for one office building! I was looked at with confusion. I really knew nothing about housing associations, but now I’m the Development Manager! I also have dyslexia, which hasn’t made the journey to where I am the easiest. But I can’t believe how far I’ve come.
Having grown up in a village in Devon, that she could still could not afford to live in now, Sam is passionate about this scheme. “Shockingly, the cost of an entry level home in a rural area is typically 9 times someone’s income. Working closely with Devon Communities Together will help us provide more accessible, affordable homes for people. Even after all this time in housing, I still feel proud and get emotional when we hand over the keys to someone at the handover of a new scheme. It’s a feeling like nothing else.”
To find out more about Devon Communities Together, visit www.devoncommunitiestogether.org.uk