In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, host Crystal Hicks speaks with Polly Neate, former chief executive of Shelter, about the complexities of homelessness, particularly as it affects women. They discuss the challenges women face in homelessness, the importance of language in addressing these issues, and the need for a shift in public perception. Polly shares insights on the role of social housing and the progress made in the sector, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges and the need for data-driven solutions to better understand and meet the needs of women in housing.

In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, Crystal Hicks and Jen Radcliffe engage with Laura Wood, founder of Invisible Creations, to discuss the importance of inclusive design in housing. Laura shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind her work, emphasizing the need for dignity and safety in home adaptations. The conversation explores gender perspectives in housing design, the blind spots in traditional approaches, and the impact of proactive design on women's lives. Laura advocates for a shift in the housing sector towards mainstreaming accessibility and inclusive design as standard practice.

In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, host Crystal Hicks engages in a profound conversation with Tracy Downey, CEO of Women's Pioneer Housing. They discuss the historical context and mission of Women's Pioneer Housing, emphasizing the importance of a gendered approach in housing design and policies. Tracy shares insights on the challenges faced by women in the housing sector, the significance of women's voices in shaping policies, and the need for organizations to address women's health and wellbeing in the workplace. The episode culminates in a wish for a more gender-focused lens in housing development to enhance safety for women and the community at large.

In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, host Crystal Hicks speaks with Hannah Underwood, founder of How Might We and vice chair of the Virgin Money Foundation. They discuss the importance of applying a gendered lens to data in social housing, the need for curiosity in decision-making, and the role of community engagement in understanding tenant satisfaction. Hannah shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities within the housing sector, emphasizing the need for better data practices and collaboration to improve outcomes for women and marginalized groups.

In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, host Jayne Entwistle interviews Crystal Hicks, the president of WISH, about her career journey in the housing sector, her role as president, and the impactful See Her campaign. Crystal shares insights on balancing work and family life, the importance of community support, and advice for the next generation. She emphasizes the need for the housing sector to rediscover its purpose and the significance of women's equality in the industry.

Summary

In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, Crystal & Helen engage with Tracy Harrison, CEO of the Northern Housing Consortium, discussing the current state and future of housing in the North.

They explore the importance of regeneration, the need for a positive workplace culture, and the role of female leadership in driving change. The conversation emphasizes collaboration among housing organizations and the necessity of innovative strategies to ensure equitable housing solutions for all.

In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, Crystal Hicks and co-host Honey Premial engage in a profound conversation with Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, who shares her inspiring journey from being a refugee from Iran to becoming a prominent leader in the Church of England.

The discussion delves into the pressing housing crisis in the UK, the implications of the Coming Home Report, and the Church's role in addressing these challenges. Bishop Guli emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and a long-term strategy to tackle housing issues, while also sharing her experiences in the House of Lords and her vision for the future of housing in the UK.

In this episode of the 'If I Had One Wish' podcast, Crystal Hicks and Vikki Kirkwood engage with Grania Long, Chief Executive of the Ireland Housing Executive, discussing her journey into social housing, the challenges faced in the sector, and the importance of child protection.

Grania shares insights on the current state of homelessness in Northern Ireland, the need for community building, and her optimistic vision for the future of social housing as a vital infrastructure.

The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of housing, social issues, and the necessity for ongoing collaboration and learning within the sector.

In this episode of the If I Had One Wish podcast, Crystal Hicks and Michelle Donovan engage with Gera, a seasoned professional in the social housing sector. Gera shares her journey into social housing, the challenges faced by women in leadership roles, and the importance of recruitment in finding change agents within the sector.

The conversation also touches on the significance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in social housing, and concludes with Gera's wishes for the future of the sector, emphasising the need for women to seize opportunities and for the sector to reflect on its leadership representation.

In this episode of 'If I Had One Wish', host Crystal Hicks speaks with Viki Fox, a policy and participation manager at Cyrenians and a trustee of Crisis and St. Martin's. Viki shares her personal journey through homelessness, her professional experiences in the sector, and her insights on the current state of homelessness in Scotland.

The conversation highlights the importance of lived experience in shaping policies, the need for collaboration between housing and homelessness sectors, and the critical role of prevention in addressing homelessness.