Local resident Claudia Domingues is helping H&F Council to improve social housing for Disabled residents.
She is the chair of the resident-led Disabled People’s Housing Strategy and Implementation Group.
Claudia, who lives on the Bayonne Estate, still cannot believe that she is the chair of this group after taking on the role in May 2022.
“I love it. It’s a privilege to have this opportunity and I feel proud every time we have a meeting as we work together to make a difference,” said Claudia.
“During the pandemic I started to work from home. I wanted to give back to the community but as an asthmatic I was high risk. I looked on the H&F website for ways of contributing and came across the Disabled people’s group.”
The group has worked on various topics including allocations, adaptations and personal emergency evacuation plans for those who would need assistance to evacuate in the event of a fire.
H&F Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, Cllr Frances Umeh, said:
“Claudia is an invaluable member of the group. As Chair, she's been instrumental in driving our efforts to improve social housing for Disabled residents in H&F.
“Thanks to her dedication and the entire group's unwavering commitment, we're making progress towards shaping a more inclusive and accessible housing service.
“This is just one part of our ongoing commitment to making H&F the best place to live in a council home in Britain.”
The group is building on H&F’s Disabled Commission and aims to ensure Disabled residents live as independently as possible with opportunities to access the appropriate housing services and suitable accommodation.
“This group was at the time a very new concept not only for H&F but in the country. As a resident of H&F, being involved in co-production is very rewarding,” added Claudia who previously lived on the White City Estate.
“We can help to shape the future of housing for Disabled people as Disabled people still face many challenges when it comes to finding housing however the council is committed to improving housing for all in the borough.”
If you would like to get involved in the group call 020 8753 6652 or email getinvolved@lbhf.gov.uk
