Hemlington resident says Habinteg litter pick transformed her life | Latest news

A Habinteg resident who tried to take her own life credits a housing association’s voluntary litter picking scheme with transforming her life.

Hemlington resident Michaela Potter says that helping to collect and recycle litter around her Hemlington neighbourhood has improved her mental health and helped her connect with local residents.

Habinteg staff encouraged Michaela, 34, to join the monthly litter pick a few months ago and since then she’s made it part of her daily routine, encouraging other community members to help as well.

Positive routines

“I just get up in the morning and go litter picking,” she said. “I recently helped to organise a tidy up session with local residents and really enjoyed the experience. It was an amazing feeling… being part of a team and working together to clean up the place.”

Earlier this year, Michaela, who has learning difficulties and is visually impaired, became socially withdrawn and depressed and didn’t want to leave her home. She felt so low that she tried to take her own life, twice.

After Michaela’s support worker told Habinteg’s housing team that she was struggling, they met with her and offered support.

Habinteg’s North East Neighbourhood Manager, Donna Rowe, said: “Michaela was really down, so we wanted to get her involved in something. We were looking for volunteers for a litter pick around the scheme and we asked her if she’d be interested in joining us and she jumped at the chance.

Getting others involved

“It was only supposed to be a once-a-month session with staff and tenants. Now Michaela sets her alarm clock at 7am every morning and gets out to do a litter pick. She uses a scooter with a trailer behind, picking up black bags and other litter… this activity has totally changed her outlook.”

So, what’s Michaela’s advice to other tenants wanting to improve their surroundings?

“I’ve noticed people just leaving bin bags near the bin, rather than putting them in it, and they’ve not even checked whether the bin’s full or not… people need to check the bins first.”

Donna added: “It’s great to see Michaela doing so much better, getting out and meeting people again… she’s got her confidence back.”

“We at Habinteg want to say a big thank you to Michaela for all her hard work and dedication in helping to enhance the surroundings on scheme and for inspiring other residents to join in our litter picking activities.”