Mary Harrison

Mary has been an active Community ambassador in Richmond since 2021, and has been proactive in supporting and developing the role across all the landlords. She has been active with her own landlord for some years, but now works tirelessly to promote engagement for people with disabilities, and those who live away from the main estates in the Borough. Mary is involved with the voluntary sector in the Borough and played a crucial role in ensuring that the repairs problems across all landlords was highlighted. She gives to the Council's Community Ambassador project on a regular basis - chairing meetings, contributing to policy work and by attending the council's Housing Committee as an expert witness. This has become a crucial avenue for making sure residents' views are in the mainstream discussions. She does all this with good humour, while managing commitments in her own life. She is an advocate for being involved - and has often spoken about how it has helped her to grow. She uses this skill to be a welcoming and supportive mentor for new Ambassadors. At heart though Mary is all about building a community in Richmond where everyone can have a say and feel valued.