Hear it from our guardians
Most people become Dot Dot Dot property guardians because they want to make a positive impact on society and volunteer their free time to good causes. But there are plenty of other benefits to being a property guardian. For some, it makes their existing lifestyle easier and more affordable, for others, it opens up a new way of living, or enables them to connect with like-minded individuals. Meet our guardian community and discover their stories.
Tom Bigglestone: new life experiences through volunteering
“Dot Dot Dot’s focus on volunteering has led to opportunities that could have otherwise passed me by. Life can be fast-paced and even with the best intentions, volunteering time can be choked by other commitments. The obligation to do 16 hours a month as part of my licence agreement makes volunteering part of my weekly routine, and never an “extra” thing that gets squeezed in (or squeezed out). I’ve given time to many organisations and causes close to my heart such as male suicide prevention, community sport and local regeneration. I’ve made terrific memories and met lots of new people through my volunteering. I’m currently a listening volunteer at Samaritans.”
Eke Anyadike: gaining her independence through living alone
“Before I became a Dot Dot Dot property guardian I was living at home with my mum and younger brother. I wanted to get my own space and I started to think maybe I didn’t need to rent privately after hearing about Dot Dot Dot through a friend. Finding out about the volunteering aspect made me much more interested – especially as other guardianship companies don’t have this side to them. Getting to live on my own and affording a flat isn’t something I expected I’d be able to do and it’s only because of Dot Dot Dot that I can do this.”
Dawn Gladwin: finding her feet after an unexpected life change
“I’m currently a property guardian, which I never planned on doing, but after 26 years with my partner, we split up and I needed to find somewhere to live. I researched different organisations and used Dot Dot Dot, which offers affordable properties and in return asks guardians to commit to 16 hours of volunteering a month. I ended up in Abbey Wood in London. It’s a lovely place with a garden, a balcony off the kitchen, a workshop and a music room. I really like the community aspect of being a property guardian. So far, I’ve run a mosaic course in a residential home and helped out with some gardening locally.”
Find out how to apply to be a guardian by reading through our step-by-step guide. You can also discover more stories from our guardian community below.
3 October 2023 | Guardian stories, Volunteering
The Tree of Life: movement, dance and creativity in Thamesmead
Property guardian, dancemaker and lifelong creative, Melissa has been putting roots down in Thamesmead where we have a longstanding community of guardians. After performing at the annual Thamesmead festival, we caught up with Melissa about her passion for dance and event sponsorship from Dot Dot Dot. A journey to self-actualisation A self-described neurodivergent dancer and… Read More
31 August 2023 | Guardian stories, Local area guides, News and features
Everything you need to know about our new property guardian flats in north-west London
Dot Dot Dot has worked with Brent Council for a number of years now, turning their empty buildings into inexpensive accommodation for property guardians. We currently manage 23 flats in north-west London owned by Brent. In recent months, we’ve been working behind the scenes to take on many more flats in a Brent block that’s… Read More
10 July 2023 | Guardian stories, Volunteering
Thamesmead is funny: Bringing comedy to the community
When Bea moved to Thamesmead to become a Dot Dot Dot guardian she was keen to meet new people and become an active member of the community. But she quickly noticed a lack of community engagement and local events for adults. Until she took matters into her own hands. Thamesmead is Funny A lover of… Read More
23 June 2023 | Guardian stories, Volunteering
Celebrating Pride: How Roberto is helping LGBTQ+ young people
In spring of 2021, Roberto joined our community of guardians in west London. He has since completed over 336 hours of volunteering. In the run up to Pride this year, Roberto started to mentor a young LGBTQ+ university student. We caught up with him about his new volunteering role, and the impact it’s having on… Read More
19 June 2023 | Guardian stories, Volunteering
Compassion without borders: How Basma is celebrating refugee week
A few months ago, Basma moved into one of our west London properties. A refugee from Egypt, she is a passionate volunteer within the refugee community and advocate for ending violence against women and girls. In the run up to Refugee Week, we spoke to Basma about her volunteering past and present. Compassion without… Read More
