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.
24 May 2023 | Guardian stories, Volunteering
Finding love: the unexpected benefits of Dot Dot Dot guardianships
It was the height of lockdown. The world felt more isolated than ever when Amanda moved to Henley-on-Thames. Little did she know that the idyllic riverside town was about to become the backdrop to her love story. New beginnings Henley’s wooded hills and green fields make it one of England’s prettiest towns. From September… Read More
22 February 2023 | Guardian stories, Volunteering
Spotlight on Sam: Creating connections through volunteering
As a video producer and communications consultant in the social sector, Sam has had the opportunity to work with non-profit organisations in Ireland, the UK and Sub Saharan Africa. Through volunteering as part of his Dot Dot Dot guardianship, Sam has been able to offer his skills to organisations that couldn’t otherwise afford his services…. Read More
13 December 2022 | Guardian stories, Property management
Our long-term meanwhile project with Peabody in Thamesmead
Since 2015, Dot Dot Dot have collaborated with Peabody during their 10-year regeneration project by securing 120 flats in Thamesmead with socially-minded property guardians. Throughout this partnership, we have endeavoured to explore how we can best benefit the Thamesmead community. As we ask each of our guardians to volunteer 16 hours of their time a month to a good cause, we have an invaluable resource that can be directed to local community projects.
31 October 2022 | Guardian stories, Volunteering
Spotlight on Jessica: Knitting hats for newborns
While working as a student midwife, Jessica came across Bliss, a charity that supports parents and babies in neonatal care. After becoming a Dot Dot Dot property guardian, she started volunteering with the organisation. Jessica now knits hats and delivers them to local hospitals for premature newborns to wear.
6 October 2022 | Guardian stories
Starting a new career is easier with low-cost housing
Guardianship for graduates In 2022, the average graduate salary comes in at just over £24,000 a year, equating to around £1,670 a month take home pay. Then, consider the private rental sector, where the average cost of a double room in London is £815pcm and a 1-bed flat ranges from £1,526-£1,759. As a graduate, you… Read More
