A blog from Tim Eaton (pictured), reflecting on his work experience with us.
I’ve always remembered the name Peabody from childhood visits to London seeing grand but formidable Victorian estates.
Now, years later mid-way through an MA Housing Studies at London South Bank University I’ve just completed a week’s work placement with one of Peabody’s neighbourhood management teams.
I wanted to gain practical experience to complement my academic study. On my first visit, Neighbourhood Manager Jonathan took me to the East End to audit suspected sublets of prime Victorian houses in E2 where market rents are in excess of £2000 per month.
Neighbourhood Managers Ade and Angela both took me on visits to the respective estates they manage in South London, where we graded the cleanliness of public areas of a Peabody estate on Blackfriars Road, and met the maintenance team.
When Ade had to speak with a resident following a complaint about late night noise, I was struck by his firm but fair negotiations with the resident and the situation was resolved as best as possible, for now.
All the Neighbourhood Managers were on first name terms with their residents, who seemed pleased to see Peabody on site and welcomed our home visits as it gives them the opportunity to voice their concerns or just to chat.
I loved the interaction and got involved whenever I could. I was proud to wear a Peabody ID badge and would be interested to volunteer in the future. I hope I can make a valuable contribution to an organisation that has been proudly serving London’s housing needs for the past 150 years and providing vital community services, helping to make London a city of opportunity for all.
Also in the news:
Peabody takes on South Bank University students for work experienceSpend a Sunday at the Sundial
