Hazel volunteering at Tall Ships Race in Hartlepool

There are many perks to working at Housing 21; great colleagues, flexible working, and the opportunity to make a difference to not only our residents but the local community and beyond.  

As part of our fantastic benefits package, Housing 21 offer up to two days’ paid volunteer leave each year. Employees can use these days to make a difference to residents at our schemes or support a charitable cause close to their heart, like Local Housing Manager Hazel.  

Hazel, who works at Avon Court in Newton Aycliffe, used her volunteer days to raise money for the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), a charity that supports the RAF community including those currently serving, veterans, and their families. 

“My husband was in the RAF for 25 years, so it is a cause that we feel very passionate about,” she said. 

“The work they do is fantastic and so important. Many ex-service personnel find it difficult to adjust to life outside of the RAF and indeed other branches of the armed forces. Whether they are living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or their family life has broken down and they need some help to get on their feet, the RAF Association is there to help.” 

Hazel attended the Tall Ships Race in Hartlepool as part of her Wings Appeal Officer duties and helped the RAF Association raise just shy of £1,500. She represented the RAFA at their stand in Military Village, where the all the armed forces gathered to showcase their various associations.  

“I had a great time talking to people about the work the charity does and learning about their connections to the military and sharing stories,” she said.  

“My husband spent 18 months of his RAF career working on the Lancaster bomber that is now part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - P7350. He is part of living history and I’m so proud of him. Sharing this with people visiting the stand, I learned that some of them had relatives had flown in a Lancaster and heard their stories. So many of us have relatives or friends that have served, and it really cements the need for the work the Association does.  

“We now serve those who served us in the past through volunteer and fundraising work, so I am really grateful that Housing 21 gives employees the opportunity to take two days paid leave per year to support really worthwhile causes.”  

Volunteer days aren’t the only benefits that Hazel has taken advantage of since joining Housing 21 in January 2022. 

“I currently work a nine-day fortnight which means I get every other Friday off. It’s perfect for fitting in Friday fundraising collections!” she said.  

Find out more about the benefits we offer our employees. 

At Housing 21, we’re proud of our military roots which lie in the Royal British Legion and are committed to being an Armed Forces-friendly organisation for both for those looking to live in our properties or work with us. This is why we signed the Armed Forces Covenant. 

If you have served and would like to explore our career opportunities, find out what roles are available.