LJ Meeks is a customer at High Hazels, a neighbourhood of 88 properties within the ex-mining community in Huthwaite, North Nottinghamshire. 

LJ was an unemployed mum who wasn't really interested in getting involved in her community.  This all changed when Places for People's community development worker for the estate started running activities at the community house.

LJ started getting more and more involved and began encouraging other parents to take part in volunteering.  She helped organise some of the events, and then volunteered to start running a monthly craft club for children on the estate.    

Emboldened by the confidence and skills volunteering gave her, LJ enlisted on a nail beauty course. With her new qualifications, she started running nail art courses at the house.

This helped encourage other mums to engage with activities, brought in people from off the estate, and helped improve the reputation of the area. LJ became a champion for the estate and other customers sought her out to ask for advice and support.

On the back of her volunteering, LJ secured a job at her son's school as a Community Liaison Officer, being the hugely important link between parents and the school.

LJ was awarded the Ashfield Citizen of the Year Award and the Volunteer of the Year Award in the prestigious National Regeneration and Renewal Awards in 2011 in recognition of her hard work and dedication.

LJ Meeks

"There was a time when I didn't do any volunteering, but now I run the craft club, help out at the community house and have a new job.

"I love to help other people, and have been really inspired by working in the community."