Blog by Housing Officer Javed
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RWP Supported Living Housing Officer Javed has worked in the housing sector since 1990. He was also elected as chairman and Lord Mayor of Middlesbrough Council in 2004 - the first Asian Lord Mayor in the North East. Read his blog to find out more about his experience and his commitment to the community he served.
“I first got involved in local politics when a friend asked me to join one of the parties. I started attending the branch meetings, I became secretary and then Chair of the branch and it went on from there. When I was elected, there were only five Asian Lord Mayors in the UK - I was one of the youngest as well. It was a privilege and an amazing experience for 12 months. My picture is framed in Middlesbrough Town Hall which I’m really proud of!
"I was first welcomed to the role by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire (the Queen’s representative at the time). My wife was my consort and we were invited to a formal lunch – which lasted about four hours. It was eye-opener for both of us into a different world.
"I was in the local newspapers most weeks with reports about the community work that I was doing. I led on important campaigns at a time when there was much protest about the invasion of Iraq. In Middlesbrough we helped to save 1,000 homes from demolition. But still I came under fire and much criticism, for example awful leaflets about me were put through my door that my kids saw, but you just had to put it aside and carry on with the work you were doing for the community. At the end of the day, that’s politics for you.
"Apart from my time as Lord Mayor and a councillor for 12 years, I've been working in social housing since 1990. I first started working in general needs and I oversaw the development of the first Asian women’s homeless refuge in Middlesbrough. I joined Progress in 2011 and now work in supported living with RWP. I understand the effects a disability can have on a life as my nephew has cerebral palsy.
"An important milestone for me happened last year as I went on my pilgrimage to Mecca – with a million other people! There are many rituals that are part of the experience. For example, one day we had to walk for 25 miles. You lose all your luxuries for six days and this is a great leveller of people. I met so many others from all over the world. It’s also the reason I grew my beard!
"I often reflect on the fact that I came to this country in 1978 when I was eight and I didn't know one word of English. I came from a beautiful mountainous area of Pakistan that we call Free Kashmir. So, this is how far I have come and what I have achieved.”