The Objective
Claudette Jacobs (known to everyone as CJ) has spent her career working in both private and public sector housing. Since the early 1980s, she has worked on construction and renovation projects in and around London – as well as further afield in areas such as Brighton. All these projects have one thing in common: they have been focused on making sure the housing stock is of a high standard and the surrounding areas are safe and enjoyable spaces for tenants and residents.
She has pioneered innovative resident participation programmes and has recently played a crucial role in implementing new fire regulations for high-rise flats.
CJ has had osteoarthritis for many years, and she was forced to give up work in late 2023 because she struggles with mobility – including getting in and out of the bath. Her local council’s waiting list to install a new electric shower is more than two years – so she reached out to Band of Builders for help, as she is on universal credit and cannot afford to get it installed herself.
2 Tradespeople
1 Day to Complete
Delivery Value £1,000
The Background
CJ has had circulatory issues since she was a child – including Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is a condition that means she has cold hands and feet. This is especially challenging each winter.
She has lived with osteoarthritis for more than 20 years – and has combatted it by exercising and keeping active. It has got noticeably worse since lockdown, as she was unable to go out regularly and undertake exercise routines and physio appointments to alleviate some symptoms. On top of this, working from home, putting on weight, and the stresses of financial and family issues may have contributed to her getting fibromyalgia on top of her osteoarthritis.
In 2023, her diagnosis was classified as chronic, as she suffers from herniated discs, bilateral exposed nerves and osteoarthritis in her hips and knees.
She struggles to get around and now uses crutches.
The Project
A Triton electric shower (which was kindly donated by Triton) was installed above the bath in the bathroom at CJ’s flat by two BoB volunteers – who completed the installation over a weekend.
In a message of thanks entitled ‘A Shower of Thanks: Band of Builders Transforms Lives’, CJ expressed her heartfelt gratitude to BoB. “An incredible team of tradespeople recently completed a life-changing project in my home,” she said. “This seemingly small change has made a profound difference to my well-being and independence. I am eternally grateful for their generosity and compassion.”