Ref:PRSH192
Date: 16^thOctober 2017 

Vicky's story inspires delegates at SARH Customer Conference

High resolution image for download
The inspiring story of a Stafford woman who's proved that severe disability needn't be a barrier to independent living or a successful career proved to be a highlight of a conference for customers of Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH).

Born without arms, Vicky Green works as a property lawyer for Staffordshire County Council and is currently moving into a bungalow of her own in a village on the outskirts of Stafford.

The 31-year-old is taking advantage of the housing association's You First Telecare service and was invited to tell her story to other SARH customers at the conference, held at the housing association's headquarters in Parker Court, Stafford.

Born in Stafford, Vicky attended Wolgarston High School before completing a degree in Human Biology at Birmingham University and a law conversion and Legal Practice course at the College of Law. After training as a solicitor she landed a job in the council's Property and Development team.

She's also learnt to drive, travelled to many exotic holiday destinations and enjoys an active social life despite only being able to use one foot to write, operate her wheelchair and do many of the day-to-day tasks that most people are able to do with their hands.

"The most important thing is to never give up," she said. "Don't let people say you can't do something, just be more determined to prove them wrong and get on with your life."

After buying her own home, Vicky signed up for the Telecare Service, which provides a round-the-clock lifeline 365 days per year for anyone who requires extra help and support to maintain their independence. The emergency call system is available to all local residents, as well as people who live in properties managed by the area's leading provider of affordable homes.

A wide range of technology designed to help people stay in their home as they get older, or if they have a disability, was also on show at the SARH Customer Conference, which had the theme ‘Full of Life'. The event also featured a talk by Elizabeth Lodge, Health and Wellbeing Manager at SARH, who stressed the importance of taking notice of the world around us, as well as strength and balance activities, to help avoid falls.

On the success of the event, Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, commented: "During Vicky's talk we heard her use phrases such as ‘cracking on' and ‘nailed it' which really does sum up what this conference was all about.

"The event also tapped into many of the themes of the recent International Day of Older Persons, which this year focussed on ‘stepping into the future'; an approach that's reflected in our commitment to embrace new ways of communicating with customers to make every contact count."

Caption:Vicky Green guest speaker at the SARH customer conference.

- - - ENDS - - -

About Stafford and Rural Homes

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is the largest social landlord in Stafford with around 6,000 homes across Stafford, Stone and the rural villages across the Borough. Established in 2006 to own and manage the former Stafford Borough Council housing stock, SARH set up a trading subsidiary company Housing Worx, to deliver planned maintenance works to its properties and fulfil commercial contracts in 2012. SARH also offers 18 Independent Living schemes for people aged over 55 and an award winning Telecare home safety and personal security system for the elderly and vulnerable. SARH has invested more than £100 million on improvement and regeneration programmes and building over 500 high quality new homes for rent and shared ownership which have benefited SARH customers by improving neighbourhoods and creating job opportunities for local people. The housing association works in partnership with local authorities, health trusts, statutory bodies and a range of voluntary organisations to create safe, sustainable communities where residents can ‘Live, Work and Grow'.

Follow SARH on Twitter@SARHomes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e:mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk