Member Article

Lisa’s challenge on the rooftop of the world

A Supported Housing Officer from Redcar has embarked the challenge of a lifetime to help make a difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest urban communities in Nepal.

Digging foundations for new homes is not the usual day job for Lisa Jarvis, who has just returned to the UK after taking part in the Nepal Community Challenge with Homeless International, the charity now known as Reall – Real Equality for All.

Housing provider North Star Housing Group, which has offices in Stockton-On-Tees and Barnard Castle and includes Teesdale Housing Association, invited staff to take part in the challenge to help build homes for some of Nepal’s most disadvantaged slum families. Many members of staff applied to take part, but it was lucky mother-of-three Lisa who was chosen by her senior managers to represent North Star on the project.

Lisa, 33, said: “From the moment I found out that North Star wanted a volunteer to help with the project I knew I had to apply. When I found out I’d been chosen to take part I felt overwhelmed, elated, nervous, frightened and excited all at the same time. I knew I would have to overcome many personal challenges to get there, but I am extremely passionate about my job and it is in my nature to help people. I feel so lucky that I have been able to do this.”

As well as raising £2555 in sponsorship for the trip, and improving her fitness for a gruelling Himalayan trek, Lisa’s preparations for the trip included another personal challenge for her: grappling with an overwhelming fear of flying.

Lisa said: “Anyone who knows me knows I am petrified of flying. I had hours of hypnotherapy in the lead up to the trip, which was fantastic. But it wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. I got through the first two flights and then we had to board this tiny plane for the last leg of the journey. I ended up having a panic attack on the plane! Thank goodness for our resident Doc Amanda, who was fantastic and got me through it!”

Starting in the excitement and exotic bustle of Kathmandu, Lisa travelled to Pokhara where visited a local Reall housing project and met the charity’s Nepali partner organisation, LUMANTI Support Group for Shelter. As well as helping out with some of the building work, Lisa was given the chance to learn about how Reall and LUMANTI are working to address the problems faced by local families living in the slums and informal settlements of Nepal.

Lisa, who lives in Marske-by-the-Sea said: “It’s so unfortunate that in this day and age there is still poverty, hunger and homelessness happening all over the world. LUMANTI and Reall are working together to make a brighter future for the people of Nepal. In the UK I work in supported housing, and the trip was a truly inspiring, interesting and extraordinary experience for me.

“My tasks included helping to build new homes for local families, ensuring access to basic amenities such as clean water and sanitation, which are things we all take for granted in the UK. It was backbreaking work al with hand tools as there are no mechanical diggers or drills. And all in 30 degrees of heat. I wore two pairs of gloves out. My hands were bruised and blistered and my body ached everywhere. The local workers do all this every day, without breaks, for just £1 per day.”

After spending time working on the projects, Lisa also took part in a trek through the beautiful Annapurna region of Nepal, enjoying views of the spectacular Himalaya.

Carole Richardson, Assistant Director of People Services at North Star Housing Group, said: “Lisa was the perfect candidate for this challenging adventure, because of her enthusiasm and commitment to her work. She has helped to make a difference to the people of the disadvantaged communities she visited in Nepal”

“This was an unforgettable trip and a unique, life-changing opportunity for Lisa to learn about different cultures and meet communities who are working together to find solutions to poverty – it’s been fantastic to hear about what she has learned now that she has returned home.”

You can still donate to Reall via Lisa’s JustGiving page. Visit: www.justgiving.com/LISA-JARVIS2

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by North Star Housing Group .