Extra special housing staff

Three housing employees – Natalie Harvey-Hunter, Andy Mullins and Matt Liddiard – picked up staff awards, which recognise outstanding work and dedication amongst council employees. And Caroline Megevand from Central Local Housing Office has received a special award from Hampshire Constabulary for her role in helping to resolve a domestic abuse case.

Homelessness Prevention Officer Natalie Harvey-Hunter won the overall staff award for her hard work in helping families and individuals sustain their tenancies and avoid eviction. She regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty to offer support to vulnerable people. Recently, she helped a Portuguese man who had got into huge rent arrears to remain in his home. He couldn’t speak any English, so Natalie worked with all agencies on his behalf and even liaised with the Portuguese/British Embassy to ensure his benefit entitlement was paid. She coordinated his utilities and provided food packages. Natalie has also helped many people to claim backdated benefits and discretionary housing payments which have helped to reduce rent arrears and ensure more tenants stay in their homes.

Andy Mullins, Estates Maintenance Manager, won a staff award in the Customer Service Superstar category. Andy oversees a large Estates Maintenance team of plumbers, plasterers, roofers, painters, carpenters, and other trades. He was nominated by colleagues who wanted to say thank you for his unwavering can-do attitude and how he is always ready to help and ensure repairs are sorted, even in emergency or difficult situations.

Matt Liddiard, a Groundworker in Housing Operations received a special mention at the staff awards for his quick-thinking actions which helped to save a life. On his way to work one day Matt stopped to help a woman in obvious distress next to the Itchen Bridge. The woman’s daughter was threatening to jump off the bridge, so Matt acted quickly, calling the Police and staying with the woman to keep her calm and offer support. The situation escalated when the girl attempted to jump from the parapet. Together with a police officer, Matt helped to grab onto the girl and lift her back to safety. His quick-thinking and compassionate actions helped to save a life and prevent a tragedy. He is a shining example of what being a good Southampton citizen means.

Assistant District Housing Manager Caroline Megevand has received a special commendation from Southampton’s Detective Chief Superintendent for her role in helping a tenant who was the victim of domestic abuse. Along with two colleagues from Adult Social Care and an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), Caroline received a Certificate of Congratulations from Hampshire Constabulary for helping the Police build a strong case against a repeat domestic abuse perpetrator. Working together as a multi-agency team, they were able to provide safety and protect the vulnerable victim from further harm and ensure justice for the offender. If you (or someone you know) is a victim of domestic abuse find out how to get advice and support.