The Naumann Initiative is my lifeline

In September I made what, in hindsight, was a big mistake. I handed in my notice on our privately rented studio flat. It wasn’t a good place for a young child live, as there were all sorts of environmental health issues ­– but at least it was home.

We were meant to move into another privately rented property on the same day we left our old one, but the new landlord turned around and said that he wouldn’t be able to let the new flat to us after all – it had failed its Energy Performance Certificate and he needed time to put things right.

With our deposit, we were able to live in a hotel for a few weeks, until our money ran out. Blaby District Council tried to help, but all they could offer me was a room in a shared house – an option I couldn’t take, due to the fact I have joint custody of my little boy and it would have prevented me from being able to see him.

“With our deposit, we were able to live in a hotel for a few weeks, until our money ran out”

The day we had to move in with a friend of mine was a depressing one. I’m a young dad and I hadn’t managed to get things in place for my son, and I felt ashamed, low and very anxious. Although I was – and still am – massively grateful to my mate, I was never comfortable relying on someone else and invading their space.

I remember being a bit overwhelmed when my advisor at the job centre told me that PA Housing had two openings through something called the Naumann Initiative, which would lead to two people on housing waiting lists in Leicestershire securing both employment and a housing association home.

Then, at the open day in November, I was extremely anxious because I needed the opportunity so badly. I spent the whole morning session panicking, but by the afternoon, I managed to relax. I must have done something right, because I was invited back to the assessment day, which was when I got to meet the teams with roles available.

There was an opportunity to become a housing hub advisor, answering calls from residents, or the chance to take the first step into a communications role, as a junior comms officer. On the bus, on the way home from the open day, I received a call from PA Housing asking me which job I wanted. The choice was mine.

Although the comms role was for less money, I felt there was more opportunity to get to know all areas of PA’s business and to build a career. I’d made my decision and I couldn’t wait to get started.

I’m now well into my third month at PA, and I’m writing articles for the website, working on social media, putting together marketing collateral and leading a project for the staff intranet. It’s difficult not being in the office, but I get to know people by jumping on to plenty of video calls.

“I’d love for teams at other housing associations across the UK to read my story and decide that they too could make the Naumann Initiative work. I’d happily speak to anyone in the UK housing sector about my experiences if it meant more people would be able to have this opportunity”

And as for our PA Housing home, it’s a two-bed house, with a big double bedroom for me, and a gorgeous big boy room for my son, which I’ve painted green and white to match his new animal curtains and bedding. The first thing he does when he gets here is run into his room and play with his toys.

At PA, there are currently another three colleagues who are benefitting from the Naumann Initiative in similar ways – the recruitment team ended up taking on four instead of two individuals, as the quality of the applicants was so high. Meanwhile, in Scotland, Kingdom is on its second wave of recruitment through the project.

I’d love for teams at other housing associations across the UK to read my story and decide that they too could make the Naumann Initiative work. I’d happily speak to anyone in the UK housing sector about my experiences if it meant more people would be able to have this opportunity – although it can be difficult for me to put into words how grateful I am to PA Housing for the lifeline they’ve given to me and my son.

When they gave me a secure home and employment, PA handed me everything I needed to grow as a person, as an employee, and as a dad.

Connor Stacey, junior communications officer, PA Housing