Beckton residents see real change thanks to frontline support

Winsor Park estate sees community and wellbeing revival.

A Newham housing estate is showing clear signs of progress, with residents reporting improved wellbeing and stronger community ties thanks to targeted frontline support and renewed investment.

At the heart of this change is Dorothy Lopez, 65, a long-time resident who has regained confidence after years of coping alone with everyday pressures.

Dorothy, 65, a retired social worker living with diabetes and arthritis, had long been reluctant to ask for help. “I don’t like to feel like I’m begging. I was raised to look after myself,” Dorothy said.

Managing repairs, medical appointments and bills had become increasingly difficult, leaving Dorothy with few places to turn for help.

That changed when she met Shantel Moncrieffe, her new Neighbourhood Housing Lead, whose role focuses on personalised support for residents.

Shantel began with practical actions that made an immediate difference. She installed a key safe so ambulance crews could access Dorothy’s home quickly, secured travel reimbursements for hospital visits, and resolved a Universal Credit error that had caused months of stress.

“Shantel has real patience and understanding. She’s sorted out a lot of things for me and that’s put my mind at rest,” Dorothy said.

Beyond everyday support, Shantel encouraged Dorothy to rebuild local connections. Earlier this year, Dorothy visited the Winsor Park community centre for the first time in two decades - a moment Shantel calls “a turning point”. 

“You have to get to know residents and build relationships with them. Seeing that trust develop is amazing,” Shantel said.

Dorothy’s story reflects the positive changes happening throughout Winsor Park. Outdoor areas have recently undergone a facelift through planting sessions involving pupils from local Gallions Primary School. Equans donated more than £1,300 worth of greenery, helping to revitalise previously neglected planting beds through its social value commitments.

Security has also been strengthened with the installation of a secure cycle storage facility worth £5,000, also provided by Equans. Meanwhile, a pre-Christmas clear-out, supported by Morgan Sindall Property Services, supplied two large skips to help residents remove bulky waste and reduce fly-tipping.

Sam, a resident who joined in the clean-up, said:

“I’m so happy L&Q managed to do this. My wife is very happy that she’s been able to get rid of the rubbish.”

L&Q is one of the largest social landlords in Newham. Through its Foundation, the housing association works with local people to guide its community investment activities. This has included providing grants which support residents wellbeing, and reinforce pride, belonging and connection.

Even local police have noticed the difference:

Police Community Support Officer David Panton said:

“Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have walked around here by myself. Back then, gang activity made many residents feel they couldn’t use the shared spaces.

Things have changed now, though. Those people have grown up and moved on, and the estate is on the up.”

This work forms part of a wider boost in frontline services, with L&Q committing £3.7 million to expand customer services teams and strengthen its anti-social behaviour unit.

This investment will ensure more visible support and a stronger frontline presence across all of the social landlord’s estates.

For Dorothy, the impact has been both personal and timely.

“My outlook has completely changed. There was a time I didn’t trust anyone, but now it feels like someone is finally in my corner.”