Spotlight on Federico

June 14, 2016

Federico became a guardian with Dot Dot Dot in August 2015 and since then has volunteered for a variety of environmental and educational charities. This is his experience:

Spotlight-Logo_CMYK_0 I started being a guardian over a year and a half ago with a different organisation, but I was interested in Dot Dot Dot because they are more community minded. I always like to feel that I’m part of something bigger and having this opportunity to not only secure a property but to engage in activities with the community that help to improve the local area was particularly attractive. I have found this fulfilling and have enjoyed helping people living in the community.

When I first started volunteering around Poplar, there were many interesting projects to be a part of, and I didn’t know where to start or which one to choose. I decided to get involved with many of them and tried out different opportunities, from helping with gardening to constructing an organic waste device in a recycling project in a park.

In the end, with the help of the team at Dot Dot Dot I was put in contact with the managers of Poplar HARCA Spotlight, a youth centre where children from 11 to 18 years old can go to participate in creative activities including art, theatre, games, music, radio, sports, dancing and more. As I am a musician and recently finished my audio production degree, I wanted to share my knowledge collaborating in something related to audio or music. After introducing myself to the team working in Spotlight, I have been helping to teach music in their studio. I regularly teach children to play a variety of instruments, write songs, produce their music and rehearse. We have also created several events, where the local community can listen to what has been created.

spotlight capture website 3 I’ve been very happy with both my guardianship property and my volunteering, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this progresses.

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“There’s an instant community feel here which is great. Looking forward to organising movie nights and board games nights with the other guardians.”
Caitlin, Whitechapel
Local people have been very positive. They like the fact an empty building in their neighbourhood is being used again and is being maintained.
Conor, Shoreham-by-Sea
“I love the idea that you are part of a community in such a large city. I like the fact we are allowed to be creative with the decoration of the flat and getting involved with local charities is something which I have missed doing over the last few years.”
Jasmine, Peckham
“I saw the advert for Dot Dot Dot and was intrigued to find out more. Initially it was the low cost that attracted me but I also thought the social enterprise side of the business was really cool. I liked the fact that being a guardian with Dot Dot Dot encouraged me to give back and make me do something good with my free time.”
Heba, High Barnet
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Tom, Croydon
“As a property guardian with Dot Dot Dot I save £450 per month compared with what I used to pay on rent – that’s a significant difference.”
Josh, Poplar
“I was drawn to property guardianship because I wanted to live affordably in London which is pretty hard to do – and the volunteering aspect of guardianship with Dot Dot Dot really appealed to me as a way of giving back to the community.”
Carl, High Barnet
“It’s a really cool place – I can use it to work in like an office, and there’s already a great community.”
Pete, Whitechapel
“Being a property guardian with Dot Dot Dot means you do more than simply live somewhere. Instead, because you volunteer you really become part of the community. The best bit is knowing you’ve made a difference and have had a positive impact on those around you.”
Tim, High Wycombe
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Alex, Whitechapel