Getting to know… Corinne
We like to get to know the people behind the faces especially volunteer Subcommittee members. Here we talk to Corinne who volunteers on our Marketing Subcommittee.
What attracted you to become a Subcommittee member at jLiving?
My first introduction to jLiving was through a previous Chairman who was a friend and asked me if I would like to join the Marketing Subcommittee. I’m involved in several aspects of Jewish voluntary community work (mainly through my synagogue) so I thought being involved in jLiving would complement this.
How long have you been involved with the organisation?
It was only after checking back that I realise I have been involved for longer than I thought! I joined the Marketing Subcommittee in June 2013 – lots has happened in that time!
What do you feel you bring to the role of committee member?
I have a lot of communications experience from a career in several large blue-chip companies so I hope that I can bring some of that insight and put some of that experience to help jLiving become a better-known brand and an authoritative voice for community housing.
Did you always have a particular interest in social housing and if so, what is the background to that?
No, it’s actually something completely different for me. I have experience in pharmaceuticals, retail and aviation but not housing – it’s always good to learn about a new aspect of life.
Do you think there are issues or challenges in providing good quality social housing and what are they?
I think the shortage of housing generally is likely to be a challenge in providing good quality social housing, exacerbated by the overall rise in the cost in living.
Does the provision of social housing in the Jewish community bring any of its own challenges?
Possibly the perception that there is less choice and availability but the requirement for safe, affordable and comfortable housing would be the same for everyone.
Are there any other organisations providing a similar service (social housing rather than care homes) to the Jewish community? If so, how does jLiving’s offering differ?
Most people know about Jewish Care but while jLiving might be currently less well-known, it offers a range of housing and services with a ‘family’ and caring feel, which seems to be appreciated by those who use them.
Do you think there is any stigma around social housing?
I think that (unfortunately) there still is some stigma but, bit by bit, various long held taboos and stigmas in society are (fortunately) being broken down. People are much more open these days.
What are your hopes and goals for jLiving for the next five years?
Having successfully survived the pandemic, I hope that jLliving continues to prosper, expand and provide essential services to the Jewish community and to become a well-known provider.
Tell us something about yourself that no-one would know!
I love travelling and spent a year and a half travelling round the world after university. During that time, I did some interesting jobs including working in the police department in Sydney, in a hotel in the Australian outback and on a kiwi orchard in New Zealand!