Darrin has always been passionate about his community, but he didn’t always know that his future lay in improving housing conditions for its residents. “When I was younger, I never imagined I’d end up working in housing — I thought it was all about bricks and mortar, but now I see that it’s really about people’s lives and well-being.”
Darrin is now the Disrepair & Special Projects Manager for Newham Council and leads the Newham Damp and Mould Task Force, a team dedicated to tackling damp, mould, and disrepair in council homes across the borough. He believes that everyone deserves a safe and healthy home. “Your home should be a place where you feel safe and comfortable, not somewhere that makes you sick,”
Over the years, Darrin has seen significant changes in the way the council approaches housing issues. “It’s not just about fixing things anymore. It’s about understanding the impact on residents’ lives and finding sustainable solutions,” he says. This has meant more community engagement, better communication with tenants, and a focus on preventing problems before they become crises.
The work isn’t easy. With his team, Darrin faces challenges daily, from dealing with urgent repair requests to coordinating with other departments to ensure the best outcomes for residents. But he’s proud of the progress they’ve made. “We’ve moved away from quick fixes and are now taking a holistic approach — looking at the root causes of problems and working together with residents to solve them,” he says.
Darrin’s team recently transformed several homes that were previously plagued by damp and mould into safe, dry, and healthy environments. They’ve done this by working closely with residents, explaining what needs to be done, and involving them in the process. “We’ve had some great feedback from residents who feel reassured knowing we’re here to help,” he notes.
One of the most rewarding parts of Darrin’s job is the direct involvement of the community. “We’ve started holding community drop-in sessions, where residents can come and speak to us about any issues they have with their homes. It’s been fantastic to see people getting involved and taking pride in where they live,” he says.
Darrin believes that community engagement is crucial to the future of Newham’s housing. “When residents feel involved, they take more care of their homes and neighborhoods. It creates a sense of ownership and pride, which is what we need more off in these challenging times.
Despite the challenges, Darrin remains committed to his work. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else or working anywhere else,” he says. “Every day is a chance to make a difference, and that’s what keeps me going.”
His story is a testament to the spirit of “We’ve Got This”— a call for all of us to come together, share ideas, and make positive changes in our community.
