From personal triumphs to everyday moments, Eastlight Stories shares the powerful real-life stories of people living in Eastlight homes.

The Eastlight Stories series has been created in memory of Eastlight’s founding Chair, Hattie Llewelyn-Davies, who sadly passed away in May 2026. Hattie cared really deeply about residents’ voices being heard and believed that everyone has a story worth telling.

By sharing these stories, we honour Hattie's legacy and her passion for putting residents at the heart of everything we do. Through these conversations, we celebrate the people, experiences and communities that make Eastlight what it is today, and we hope you'll be inspired, moved and reminded of the many ways a house becomes a home.

Episode 1: Bobbie Town

The Eastlight Stories series begins with Bobbie Town, who lives in Halstead, Essex. Bobbie moved into her Eastlight home a couple of years ago following a period of homelessness. It was a difficult and uncertain time, when she did not know what the future would hold. Since moving into her Eastlight home, Bobbie has begun to put down roots in her community and found comfort in having a safe and secure place of her own. Her story is about rebuilding, finding stability and moving forward.

Episode 2: Richard & Rosemarie Bessey

Meet Richard and Rosemarie Bessey, who moved into their Eastlight home in Halstead in 2013. Richard is Rosemarie’s primary carer as she lives with Alzheimer’s and experiences memory loss. Their story is one of love, resilience and commitment, as Richard supports Rosemarie with patience and compassion while making sure she feels safe and surrounded by the people and things that matter most.

Episode 3: Govin & Rama Mouttoucoumarane

Originally from India, Govin and Rama Mouttoucoumarane met, married and built the foundations of their life there before moving to the UK. In 2019, they moved into an Eastlight affordable bungalow in Witham, designed around Rama’s mobility needs and wheelchair use. With wider doorways, adapted kitchen facilities and an accessible bathroom, the home has given Rama greater independence. The pair also play an active role in Eastlight’s resident activities and are members of Witham’s Eastlight Resident Group. Their story explores why having a home that meets your needs matters – and why community, family and having your voice heard matter too.

Episode 4: Jo Jones

Release date: 2 October

Jo shares her experience of starting again after homelessness, building a life in her community and using her voice to influence Eastlight’s services.

Episode 5: Rue Garande

Release date: 9 October

Rue talks about finding safety and security for herself and her daughter after domestic abuse, and about using her experience to make sure residents’ voices are heard.

  • Eastlight's Chair of the Board, Hattie Llewelyn-Davies, sitting on a bench outside Eastlight House, Braintree, smiling at the camera. There are some trees and an Eastlight van in the background. Hattie is wearing a purple jacket.

    More about Hattie Llewelyn-Davies

    Putting residents first was never just something Hattie talked about. It was how she worked every day. She helped shape a genuinely resident-led organisation, where people’s voices are heard and matter. You can see that in so much of what we do, from the Customer Influence Committee to the Resident Members Charter.

    Her impact came from her dedication, her tireless commitment, her hard work and her intelligence. She brought all of that into every conversation and every decision. But more than anything, it is Hattie as a person that people remember.

    She was engaging and approachable and had a way of immediately putting people at ease. She balanced professionalism with real warmth and kindness, so people felt valued and listened to from the start.

    Hattie’s legacy lives on in Eastlight, in the homes, communities and people she helped shape, and in the values she leaves behind.

    She will be greatly missed and always remembered.