Can you pay it forward and be a good neighbour?
We love helping you build good, strong communities – and having neighbours looking out for you plays a huge part.
Our Lytham St Annes tenant, Andrew, takes great pleasure in doing thoughtful things for his neighbours to reassure them they are not alone.
He buys flowers on Valentine’s Day; chocolate eggs at Easter; sweets at Halloween; and surprises residents with gifts at Christmas.
He also buys ice creams and checks up on elderly neighbours during hot weather.
Andrew, who has been a tenant for seven years, tells us: “I believe people make the community. We’re so lucky to be blessed with good neighbours. It really makes a difference.
“Some neighbours are quite elderly so I like to check on them. When we had those heatwaves, I bought multipacks of choc-ices or ice cream from the ice cream van and gave them to my neighbours. I use it as an excuse to check if they are okay, keeping themselves cool and drinking plenty of water.
“I have left Easter eggs on my immediate neighbours’ doorsteps as a surprise, and at Valentine’s, a lot of people may feel sad they won’t be getting anything, so I have bought them flowers. It makes their day, and seeing the smiles on their faces is its own reward.
“I bring my dog Poppy as she helps me deliver the gifts. This all breaks the ice and is my way of saying ‘I am checking you are ok’.”
Andrew also takes his neighbours’ bins out, cleans them and puts them back in the bin store. He also carries out regular litter picks to keep the area tidy.
He adds: “Bins left out could be a sign people are away and is a target for intruders, so I make sure all bins are put back in the enclosure. I also keep an eye out if people don’t bring their milk in, as it could be a sign something is wrong.”
Andrew emphasises that he is careful not to be intrusive. He also helps spread the message about asking for ID if someone turns up unannounced at your property.
He also supports our Random Acts of Kindness pay it forward campaign and encourages other tenants to perform thoughtful deeds to put a smile on someone’s face.
He adds: “I am all for spreading joy and happiness. Sometimes, all it can take is two minutes, and it can make people feel so much better. It is such a pleasure to do all these things. We should be doing these things every day.”