The Estate: My Life Working on the Front Line of Britain's Housing Crisis

by Charmain Bynoe

Charmain Bynoe, a council housing officer for the London borough of Southwark, inspired the nation when she appeared on the TV series Council House Britain . Now, in The Estate , she shines a light on the challenges faced by so many of our citizens and provides heartwarming and inspirational stories of how they have been helped to help themselves.The role of our council housing officers is often overlooked and forgotten about. But their work is vital and, for some, the officers are their best hope for a better quality of life. Sometimes, Charmain works with those who are struggling to cope, finding it hard to keep a roof over their heads or to deal with day-to-day challenges. All they may need is some hope, and she is there to suggest a way forward. In Charmain's powerful new book, she looks back at some of the people she's worked with, from the old man who lives in squalor because he can no longer keep his flat tidy and needs support, to the young Ghanaian woman in a coercive relationship who fears that if she speaks out she will be deported. Britain's housing crisis remains an enormous issue for the country, which was only further highlighted by the Grenfell Tower disaster. But, as Charmain shows, with humanity and consideration for others, we can make things better in ways that don't have to cost a fortune but can deliver results that are truly priceless.

Genres: Audiobook, Poverty

Paperback

Published August 4, 2022

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having worked in social housing I was curious to learn about Charmain’s experiences as a housing officer for a London borough council.

A fair number of the things Charmain had witnessed I’d witnessed and it’s shocking how you can drop and rise between the highs and lows, the anti social and violent behaviours, the accomplishments.

[Caprice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really insightful to see the work of a housing officer and the many hats worn by them. I can echo the sentiment that the joys of working in a public sector role is watching the journey of someone else and seeing the positive changes in their lives. Sounds hard but rewarding. Good book to read :)

[Emma Goldring · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brilliant content, but I found the narration slightly annoying - the way the narrator pronounced Charmaine started to get on my nerves. I listened to this on audiobook so I feel bad that I’m giving it a low score because of the narration but you’re here for a review and I just need to be honest, perhaps I would have a different opinion if I’d have read the paper version. I did enjoy it though. As a civil servant myself, it’s always nice to hear the stories of council workers. I’m always interested in real life stories. It was an enjoyable read but I think it went on a little bit and lay the points a little bit was slightly repetitive in places could’ve done with some more editing I think.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting insight into the working life of a social housing officer in Southwark, with all the highs and lows that brings. Story about the tenant who left his family behind in Iraq broke my heart. An honest and eye-opening account, well written and informative. Recommended.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book but not as much as I’d hoped. I would have liked to watch the Channel 4 series but it’s currently unavailable to stream .

[Morag Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: Anyone who’s ever wondered about the social housing crisis and how we can protect the most vulnerable in our society should read this book. Housing officers are absolutely some of the unsung stars of front line workers. This book was heartwarming, frustrating and thought provoking. The stories told throughout gave a human face to the statistics we read about housing shortages. I also found it interesting to read Barbour the changes Charmain had experienced in her twenty years on the job.