Meet Gary Bowman

When did you get involved with Connect?

I’m a tenant at Northbrook Croft and I’ve been there 18 years. I’ve basically been involved with Connect throughout that period. I’ve been the chairperson of Northbrook Tenants’ Association… which unfortunately, when Covid had risen, disbanded. Although, the thing we really got going is that everybody talks, everybody is quite happy, and we have a little gardening group.

What kind of engagement activities have you overseen?

There was a large tree outside the front [of Northbrook Croft]… it was overrun by weeds and goodness knows what. We said to ourselves, we’ve got funding from Connect [so] we levelled it all off and now it’s a very clear area… it looks a lot cleaner. That’s proved fruitful because the local people think it looks great, and I think that’s brought people together.

Why did you decided to get involved with Connect?

I’m just that sort of guy who likes to talk to people and make people feel comfortable. I used to help out some of the older ladies and gentlemen by changing bulbs or being there for them if they needed, and I suppose that’s just the way I’ve been brought up really, to try and help people.

What’s your favourite part of being involved in tenant engagement activities?

Just to be involved and making sure people are comfortable and happy. I will say as well, when you’re retired and you’ve been in a business environment, it’s nice to still have that business head on. Being part of the Customer Voice Group, it’s good to understand the background of Connect and try and input from a tenant’s situation or position.

What would you say to others interested in getting involved at Connect?

Just try it! If a resident wants to get involved, go along…see if you like it. There’s nothing wrong if you don’t. You learn a lot and it keeps your brain working.

If you are interested in getting involved at Connect or want to find out more, contact our Tenant and Community Engagement team via gettinginvolved@connecthousing.org.uk