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Tell us about you |
I am Rebecca Blackwood, a 20 year old Langstane tenant and member of the Langstane tenant scrutiny group. I also take part in North East Tenants Residents and Landlords Together (NETRALT), who in partnership with the former Aberdeen City Youth Council won the 'Best practice in Developing Community' Award at the 2023 TPAS Awards.
As a tenant, I have now also become involved in the Regional Networks, which operates across Scotland.
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Rebecca Blackwood
Langstane tenant and Tenant Scrutiny Group member
| Why have you taken part and what does the theme #InspireInclusion mean to you personally? |
Inclusion to me means no matter where you come from, your upbringing, your experiences, who you are; that you are included and given the same opportunities and able to inspire others to do the same.
The last few years have not been easy for me. I grew up in a bad environment and had a troubled childhood, I was kicked out and made homeless when I was 18. I went through a very turbulent time until I was referred to Langstane Housing Association. At the same time, I had to frantically find a job to support myself in a new place where I had literally nothing except a bed. I did eventually find a job I really loved last year, in fundraising, but I was sexually harassed and ended up quitting as it was no longer a good environment for me mentally. After this, I had a period of unemployment but found my new job which I love.
I went through several more traumatic experiences in such a short period of time, like finally cutting my family off and a period of severe anxiety and mental health struggles/breakdowns. Now, there is no quick fix but I am coming out stronger than ever and I have my job and new career along with it, friends and people who stand by me through thick and thin. New happier experiences and opportunities with a new lease of life.
It took two years and a lot of work, especially after the setbacks, but I also now have a home that finally feels like mine.
I share this because I want everyone to know that even if you come from a troubled upbringing, or feel like life is a constant struggle, you can still achieve everything you want. You are in control of your life and even if this reaches one person, I can be the one they look up to and inspire to achieve their goals. If women are going through similar and they read this, they know they are not alone and it IS possible to achieve your dreams.
| What profession did you dream of pursuing when you were younger? |
I have two professions that I had always dreamed of pursuing; one of a career in youth work and one to become a published author. My dream of a career in youth work started when I was 14. At the time, I was having a lot of trouble at home with my family and was really struggling with my mental health and I just was invited to join a Youth Group. From there, I was connected to several other youth groups and eventually the Aberdeen City Youth Council where I became Secretary and eventually the Chair for three years. I decided in these times that I wanted to be able to help people in the same way youth work had for me. Without it I’m not sure where I would have ended up. My love for youth work and helping grew but changed slightly in recent years and here I am now in tenant participation, making changes in housing for young people.
As I mentioned, I come from a troubled background and one of my escapes was writing. In my writing, I could write the highs and the lows of my life and everything I was feeling in one place, without judgement. I tend to intertwine my real life experiences into fiction books. Those times have spawned several books that I plan on publishing in the near future.
| Which women have had the most significant impact on your life? |
Most people would say their mum or someone in their family; mine are two women who put me on my path and helped me through many difficult situations.
The first is my community development worker who I met when I was 14 and started my youth work journey. She was the one that got me into youth work and gave me so many opportunities that I never would have gotten otherwise. She helped inspire me to become the kind person I am today and ignited my spark for helping others in any way I could.
The second is my Langstane Customer Participation Officer, Samantha Hough. I have only known her for a short time but she has played a significant part in my involvement in tenant participation and has supported me in bringing new ideas into the groups. Personally, over the last few months when I have struggled with anxiety attacks and difficulties, she was there to support me in any way she could.
If you would like to get involved with our tenant scrutiny group at Langstane Housing Association, please contact our Customer Participation Officer, Samantha Hough, on samantha.hough@langstane-ha.co.uk or click here to 'Get Involved'.
Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity. IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid. Learn more by visiting their website, now.
