Meet Jan Ryles
“People feel they can come to me - I’m always happy to help where I can.”
Middlesbrough resident Jan has been a resident since 2003 and became involved almost straight away. She was one of the north east region’s ‘Accent Advocates.’ These were residents who worked on local community initiatives to improve life for both Accent and non-Accent residents on estates shared with other housing associations. Jan was a member of the former Accent Residents’ Panel and the regional scrutiny group which she chaired for over 3 years.
Jan is known locally as being a ‘go to’ person to get things done and often helps residents who find it more difficult to resolve issues. She is involved with a number of community groups. Her part in one of these, NORAC, a local crime partnership, resulted in a commendation from the police. Jan is also involved in helping customers with their finances with the local credit union.
Jan also volunteers for Middlesbrough Council. Her work was recognised in 2018 when she was named as the council’s ‘Volunteer of the Year.’
