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Hello, I am Pete.  I live in Welsh Back (Queen Square, Bristol) with my husband.

My interests include resident engagement, anti-social behaviour, communities, truly affordable homes, and the environment.

In my working career, I have worked mainly in the not-for-profit sector (Age UK Somerset, The Prince’s Trust) and since August 2013, I have worked for the NHS mainly as a Researcher (Self-harm and Suicide, working on the Bristol Self-harm Surveillance Register) and during this time I had hon. status at The University Of Bristol, Bristol Medical School. Since September 2024, I have worked in Homelessness Support for Places for People.

I joined the panel because I have lived experience as a resident, but I wanted to build on this, by working with the panel of residents and colleagues. I felt the merger was a good time for us all to engage and have our voices heard.

As someone who lived in social housing until I was twenty when I left home for university in Plymouth, I know that secure housing had a large part to play in making my life safer, happier, and allowed me to move forward in life.

I would encourage other residents to take any opportunity they can to engage – it is so rewarding!  I am happy to discuss my experience with anyone who is interested.  If you would like to contact me, please email panel.chair@brighterplaces.co.uk

I am Tam and I live in Clifton.

I’ve had a long-term illness for many years, with much of that time housebound. Before that, I worked with teenagers with learning difficulties in residential care and education. I’m really into writing and studied literature and creative writing. I am also qualified as a counsellor.

During my illness, my interests expanded into sociology, victim-blaming and non-violent resistance. I’m also curious about the links between chronic illness, trauma and addiction, and what people need from society to recover.

I wanted to give something back as Brighter Places has given me the safe place I needed to begin getting better. I’m also interested in systems/how things work, and in helping with improvements. My interest is in solving things at a structural level rather than a superficial one.

Hello, I’m Jon and I live in Totterdown, Bristol.

I worked in local journalism as a photographer for many years but now I work as a visitor assistant at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.

I’m involved in art and music, and I am currently working on a photography project about Totterdown.

I joined the panel because I believe we should all have a voice, and we should all be involved in the changes we’d like to see.

I think there are several areas of our housing association that need looking at that and that could be done better.  In particular, maintenance/repairs and general communication.

Hello, I’m Sophia and I live in south Bristol.

I am a mother of four children who keep me busy! But when I do get some time to myself, I enjoy walking and helping others where I can.

I joined the panel because having been a Solon resident (now Brighter Places) since 2004, I have been lucky to experience when things worked well, but also when things didn’t work so well. I have seen and felt the changes over the years, and hope that the joining together of housing associations brings positive, and productive change.  I believe some of the old systems worked well and should never have changed. Perhaps these need revisiting.

I currently work in the emergency services so can offer knowledge about topics, and concerns that others may not have an insight into. Working with the other panel members and the skills they bring, we hope to be a voice for those of you who feel unheard, to assist with decisions that impact on us all.

As fellow residents, your input is important to help shape Brighter Places to be a housing association you trust to get things right the first time, and one where you feel safe.

Please get in touch and let us be the impartial help you may have been missing.

Hello! I’m Maxine, and I live in Clifton, Bristol.

I’m a hands-on creative with a love for crafts, sewing, and knitting. I often turn my creations into donations for local charity shops, including Peter’s Hospice, because giving back to the community means a lot to me. When I’m not crafting, you can usually find me looking after my grandkids. At home, I’m kept company by my three beloved cats. I’m also a huge fan of live music, though I don’t get to gigs as much as I’d like to these days. Another passion of mine is stargazing — I’m a proud member of the Bristol Astronomical Society.

I believe in having a say in what goes on in my community and being a voice for the tenants of Brighter Places. It’s important to me that we all share our concerns and ideas—it’s good for the whole community.

Recently, I had the opportunity to be involved with the Repairs Procurement Project, working to ensure that we partner with good, reliable workmen who provide high-quality service. Improving communication and addressing issues like poor service standards are priorities for me, as I want every tenant to feel heard and well-supported.

I was born in Bristol and never left! I am the mum of two adult sons, no grandchildren yet but one lovely cat.

I am the Finance manager for a small local company, and I need to have multiple skills and knowledge i.e. we all have too muck in when needed.

In recent years I have found the love of reading actual books again and I am a member of a small book club, which gives me a chance to dissect our books and enjoy a good social evening.

I have lived in social housing all my life and have been a Solon HA and then Brighter Places tenant since 1988.  I previously regularly attended Solon HA resident panels and helped with reviewing their policies and assisting the appointment of new maintenance contractors.

I have been a member of the engagement panel for over a year, it’s been really great to work with other panel members and Brighter Places staff on various policies.

I believe that residents should have a voice in shaping how their homes and tenancies are handled. Working in partnership with the landlords can help to ensure that tenants have a home they are happy and proud of and have a stake in.