Mike is making a difference at home

Mike has lived in his home in Newhaven for many years and knows its people, routines and history inside out. Now, through FitzRoy’s Green Champions work, he has found a role that really matters to him – one that gives him a sense of purpose and a practical way to make a difference in the place he calls home.

It started when Mike attended his first regional forum in March. He enjoyed hearing from other people, sharing ideas and being part of something beyond his own home. Afterwards, he decided to join Nationwide – FitzRoy’s forum where people supported can influence the decisions that shape their lives.

Since then, there has been a real change in Mike. He spends much more time with his housemates and getting involved in what is happening around the house. He also makes folders to record what he learns at forums and the ideas he wants to share.

Now Mike has taken on another meaningful role as his home’s first Green Champion. It’s more than simply another activity, it gives him responsibility, builds on his interests and allows him to make a visible contribution to the life of his home.

Making a difference at home

Mike lives in our care home in Newhaven, alongside other people he has got to know over the years. As Green Champion, he is helping everyone think more carefully about recycling and reducing waste.

He checks the recycling bins, makes sure things are going into the right place and keeps an eye out for ways to reduce waste. He is also looking at paper use and how easy it can be to accidentally print much more than you need.

Mike has a clear goal of helping his home get its recycling right and is keen to encourage everyone to play their part. Like anyone who cares about their home, Mike wants the people he lives with and the people who work there to help look after it.

Having Mike lead the change also makes a difference. He knows his home inside out and can share ideas based on his own experience of living there. People are more likely to listen when the message comes from someone who lives with them and understands what matters to them.

Mike also brings ideas back from Nationwide meetings, picking up ideas from other people about what works in their homes and thinking about how it could work for him.

Finding something that matters

Being a Green Champion suits Mike. He has always enjoyed keeping records, looking at information and paying attention to detail, particularly when it comes to buses and transport. The role builds on Mike’s strengths and gives him a new way to use them.

Mike enjoys recording information about recycling and sharing what he finds with others. Having a clear role has given him something to focus on and another reason to spend time with others, share what he knows and take an active role in life at home.

Most importantly, Mike says the role has made him happier. Becoming a Green Champion has given him another way to make a difference to the place he’s called home for so many years.

From attending his first regional forum to becoming a Nationwide member and now leading change at home, Mike is finding his voice and showing just how much he can bring when he is given the opportunity to get involved.