Mount Green Housing Association

05/06/2026

Meet Helen, a Neighbourhood Rep at Mount Green. She's passionate about her community, catching up with her neighbours, and creating a safe and welcoming place to live 🏡

➡️ How do you volunteer your time at Mount Green?

I have been a resident for nearly 30 years, and I’m one of three neighbourhood representatives for the estate. Together, we carry out regular walks around the communal areas, identifying any issues and reporting them to Mount Green/Stonewater. We’ll also keep track of progress to make sure matters are resolved. We’re in close contact through our WhatsApp group and have regular coffee meetings to keep up to date with what is happening on the estate.

➡️ What is the most rewarding thing for you about volunteering?

I like to feel that I’m contributing to a well-maintained, clean, and welcoming estate where people enjoy living. I also love playing an active role in the community and supporting others who live here.

➡️ What would you say to someone else who was thinking about volunteering?

Get involved! Having a sense of purpose is so important, and now that I’m retired, I’m looking for meaningful things to be part of.

Has Volunteers' Week inspired you to volunteer? Here's how you can: https://orlo.uk/aChpo

03/06/2026

Today's Volunteers' Week spotlight is on Lynn, one of our awesome Stonewater Community Champions from Hampshire 🏡

➡️ How do you volunteer at Stonewater?

I volunteer as a Community Champion by getting involved in my local area and helping make the community a better place to live. I join community walkabouts, report issues like fly-tipping, parking problems, repairs, or safety concerns, and work with residents and Stonewater teams to help sort things out. I also support local events and projects, encourage people to share their views, and I'm a positive voice for the community.

➡️ What is the most rewarding thing for you about volunteering?

The most rewarding thing about being a Community Champion is making a real difference in the community and helping bring people together. I enjoy supporting residents, helping solve local issues, and seeing positive changes happen in the area. It’s also rewarding to know that residents feel heard and that I can help create a stronger sense of community.

➡️ What would you say to someone else who was thinking about volunteering?

I’d say definitely give it a try. It’s a good way to meet people, get involved in your community, and help make things better where you live. You don’t need loads of experience — just be willing to help out and listen to people. It feels great knowing that you’re making a difference, even in small ways.

👀 Curious how you could play a part in improving your local area, apply here: https://orlo.uk/xnA72

02/06/2026

This week, as part of Volunteers' Week, we're giving you the chance to meet some of our volunteers and see what they get up to.

Today, meet Stephen, who's a Neighbourhood Rep at Mount Green 🏡

➡️ How do you volunteer your time at Mount Green?

I volunteer as a Neighbourhood Rep where I live. It keeps me busy, my mind occupied, and helps with my mental health. Part of my role is to make sure that Groundscapes and Cleanscapes are keeping the place clean and meeting standards. Sometimes when things aren’t up to standard, I will contact the contractors to provide feedback and suggestions for future improvements. I’ll also let them know when things are right too. I’ll check that the communal areas are safe regarding fire safety, and health and safety too.

➡️ What is the most rewarding thing for you about volunteering?

It is very rewarding to be able to suggest improvements to the communal areas and have them approved. Recently, we’ve had an extra washing machine and two tumble dryers installed, and it’s satisfying to know this is an outcome of your feedback and hard work. I also asked for some garden furniture, and my neighbours are very happy with it. I keep an eye out for any building repairs that need to be raised and always appreciate communication on when they will be completed.

➡️ What would you say to someone else who was thinking about volunteering?

I’m retired and find that volunteering is a great way to keep my mind occupied, and even better when it’s doing something rewarding. I enjoy providing feedback to my independent living officer on any problems where I live. I know they’re busy with other things, so it is good to be able to support them. I’d highly recommend to others to get involved with volunteering

Fancy getting involved like Stephen? Apply here: https://orlo.uk/CoJYm

01/06/2026

This week is Volunteers' Week and a great opportunity to say thank you to all our volunteers who help us improve our services and support our communities 🏡

Keep your eyes peeled throughout the week as we introduce some of them, share their stories, and highlight what they do and why it matters.

We know many of you also give your time to charities and community organisations in your local area. Feel free to tag them below in the comments for a shout-out. We’d love to know more and celebrate the amazing work happening across our communities.

⭐ Keep doing amazing things. Thank you, volunteers! ⭐

Fancy getting involved? Find out more: https://orlo.uk/C5eZp

27/05/2026

From waterlogged plot to competition winning garden 🌺

Last year's gardening competition winner, Daf, transformed a bare plot into a beautiful place to relax, socialise and enjoy nature 🐝

They've made it a true extension of their home and a haven for birds and bees.

In this story, Daf shares how they did it, plus top tips to help you get started with your own garden.

👉 Read it here: https://thehubb.stonewater.org/waterlogged-plot-to-competition-winning-garden/

🌱 Feeling inspired? Enter this year's competition: https://thehubb.stonewater.org/stonewater-gardening-competition-2026/

Read the story of how Daf, winner of Stonewater's 2025 gardening competition, transformed her garden from waterlogged plot into a place to relax, socialise, and watch the birds and pollinators.

26/05/2026

How much would it cost to replace everything in your home?

Contents insurance can pay to replace your belongings if they’re damaged, broken or stolen.

Even if you try to stay safe, accidents happen. Thistle’s MyHome Contents Insurance can cover your furniture, carpets, curtains, clothes, bedding, electronics, jewellery and more.

Stonewater doesn’t provide insurance or quotes – you need to arrange it directly with the insurer or compare deals on sites like MoneySupermarket or Compare the Market.

Find out more:

Find out why you need contents insurance & get more information about the My Home Contents Insurance scheme by Thistle.

22/05/2026

Some companies offering help with disrepair claims are genuine, but others use unclear fees or pushy tactics, and a few can even be scams. We want you to have the information you need to make the choice that’s right for you.

If you have an unresolved issue with your home, please come to us first. If you’re unhappy with our response, you can make a complaint or go to the Housing Ombudsman – all completely free.

If someone contacts you unexpectedly or asks you to sign something quickly, it’s okay to take a moment and check. If you’re unsure, you can always call us on 01202 319 119.

More advice on staying safe:https://www.stonewater.org/customers/get-support/staying-safe-from-scams/

18/05/2026

🌺 Entries are now open for the Stonewater annual gardening competition 🌺

If your blooms are blooming, we'd love to see them. Entry is easy:

- Pick a category (there are four to choose from)
- Fill in our entry form and upload up to 3 photos of your garden

➡️ Enter now: https://orlo.uk/EiyDo

🏆 Prizes are up for grabs for the best garden in each category. Only one entry per household.

13/05/2026

You’re not alone, support is available if you’re affected by hoarding 💚

We understand that hoarding is often linked to life changes, mental health, feeling overwhelmed, or a loss of control. When life becomes challenging, we’re here to support you and will work closely with you at your pace. We can offer:

• 1-to-1 counselling through our partnership with Kaleidoscope Plus
• Longleigh grants to help improve your home, including cleaning and decluttering support
• Referrals and signposting to local support services, groups, and agencies

We’re here to listen and understand what would help you to feel more in control of your home and wellbeing. We can help you get the right support, and if you’d like, we can also offer in-person support.

06/05/2026

Communities in Loughborough have been supported by creating new shared gardens and hosting community events to bring people together and help to build pride in the neighbourhood. 🌱

Read more: https://orlo.uk/70fI8