Q&A with Lynsey
Lynsey Saunders is now six months into her new role as our first-ever Resident Involvement Officer and in this article, she explains more about the role, what she has been up to since she started and the future plans for getting our residents more involved.
Q: What led you to this new role?
I joined Rutherford House in November 2022 as an Independent Living Officer and really enjoyed my three years there. What really drew me to the new role was the chance to take on a new challenge while building on the positive work that was already happening with residents at Rutherford House and our other independent living scheme, Bulmer House in South Shields. I’ve always enjoyed the engagement side of the job, so this felt like a natural next step.
Q: Was it a blessing or a challenge stepping into a role with no predecessor?
For me, it has definitely felt more like a blessing. Because the role is completely new, I’ve had the freedom to shape it in my own way, do my own research and really think about what resident involvement could look like here. That’s been exciting because it means there’s space to try ideas, learn as I go and build something that genuinely works for our residents.
Q: What were the first steps you took to get resident involvement off the ground?
One of the first things I did was meet with other organisations and local councillors for ideas and to explore potential partnerships. I also looked into grant funding opportunities and had lots of help and idea sharing from other colleagues. Our first organised events were coffee-and-cake drop-ins, simply to start conversations and hear what residents wanted in their own areas. We also had representatives from organisations like Age UK and the Energy Saving Trust giving out freebies and information. Those sessions were a lovely way to break the ice and gave people the chance to speak openly, share ideas and raise issues that matter to them. Not everything worked immediately but that was useful too because it reminded me how important it is to find the right format, at the right time, and to make sure people know what’s available.
Q: Does the fact DAMHA homes are spread out across the North-East make engagement more difficult?
Yes, it does. This role is very different from working in one sheltered scheme, because I’m trying to reach residents across a much wider geographical area. That naturally brings challenges around distance, transport and confidence, because not everyone will feel comfortable putting themselves forward straight away. One of the biggest lessons for me has been recognising just how important it is to make involvement feel local, welcoming and easy to access wherever possible.
Q: What practical barriers have residents raised?
Transport has come up time and again. Some residents didn’t realise there is support available to help them attend events, whether that’s through taxi costs or mileage if they’re using their own car. Communication can also be a challenge. We can send invitations out in plenty of time, but if post is delayed or life simply gets in the way, it’s easy for things to be forgotten. That’s why I’m really keen to improve how we keep people updated and make better use of different ways to stay in touch.
Q: What sort of feedback have you had from the events so far?
The feedback has actually been really encouraging. Some sessions have been smaller, while others have brought in more than 20 residents, so it has varied. What’s been most valuable is that people have been honest. Some have come along with concerns or complaints they wanted to raise, while others have simply been pleased to see something new happening and have been full of ideas. For me, that’s what meaningful resident involvement is all about — creating the space for people to speak openly and knowing that every kind of feedback matters.
Q: Have any resident suggestions particularly stood out?
There definitely have been a few memorable ones. Alongside practical ideas and everyday concerns, residents have brought so much personality to the conversations, which has been wonderful to see. One moment that really stayed with me was when a 93-year-old resident suggested skydiving. It was such a brilliant reminder that enthusiasm, humour and a sense of adventure don’t disappear with age — even if, realistically, that one might have to stay on the wish list.
Q: How can I get involved in future events
I would love to hear from any of our residents who would like to attend future events or have suggestions for things they would like to see and they can contact me by email lsaunders@damha.org.uk. Our new website also has a standalone events section which has a list of everything we have planned and this can be viewed at www.damha.org.uk/events and we will be using our Facebook page to keep you informed too. We also have a new community room at Seaside Lane, Easington, which is available for resident events, activities and meetings and again if people would like to book that, all they need to do is call me.
Q: What would success look like over the next 12 months?
For me, success would mean delivering at least two activities each month and continuing to build a programme that reflects what residents genuinely want. We’re already looking at ideas such as a writing group, a reading group and quiz activities, which would offer a lovely mix of social and creative opportunities. Just as importantly, I’d like resident involvement to become much more visible in our communications, so that more people understand how they can join in, share their views and help shape decisions. It’s still early days, but I really believe this role has the potential to make a lasting difference. With a base at Rutherford House, a growing programme of activities and a strong focus on listening, I’m hopeful we can make resident involvement a bigger, warmer and more visible part of life across DAMHA.
