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A MUIR employee says his own social housing home inspires him to help others receive the services and security his family enjoy.

Matthew Smith joined Muir as a Tenancy Services Officer with the Association’s North team in 2019 and says he’s never looked back since moving into social housing himself seven years ago.

He says more affordable rent and supporting services meant it was a great move having previously rented from a private landlord, and that he loves providing similar support to Muir residents who see social housing as the answer for them.

“Social housing is definitely the answer for a lot of people and I’m certainly a 100% advocate – I recommend it to anyone who asks,” Matthew said.

“Our rent prices are much more affordable in social housing, and we have a garden and a tenancy for life which gives my family security.

“Being in social housing means we get a better repairs and maintenance service and regular gas and electric checks, meaning we feel a lot safer.

“We’re guaranteed an extra level of care with someone I can speak to if I ever struggled with my rent.

“We could remain in an area we liked and my experience probably inspired me to help others in social housing receive good services too.”

Matthew still enjoys living in social housing having moved from a two-bed house to a three-bed as his family has grown in the Burnley area.

“My daughter was born in social housing and my son has grown up in a social housing community,” said Matthew.

“It’s great – convenient for schools and being able to secure a larger home with the same provider was really good for us because we weren’t in a position to buy.

“We’re often asked for our opinion about our homes and services and we feel like what we say really matters – and that’s similar to what we offer at Muir.

“I really appreciate being able to help others access the services and stability social housing offers.

“It’s great to think I’m using the knowledge I experience first-hand to help Muir residents.”