Donna James – Bates Estate Community Residents Association

On the western side of Lewes Road, North Brighton’s Bates Estate stretches all the way from Moulsecoomb Place to the railway bridge. Originally farmland and nurseries, the area once grew an abundant range of fruit and veg from blackcurrants to beetroot before the council began developing the land for housing in 1938. 

A true expert on this and so much more, with a deep passion for the area’s heritage, is long-time Bates Estate resident Donna James. 

Donna has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the area’s history and can share countless stories and insights.  

Beyond her deep understanding of the past, however, she also plays a crucial and consistent role in championing local needs today, while thoughtfully considering them in long-term planning for the future as well.

Donna’s strong commitment to her community is unmistakable, evident in the sincerity she brings when sharing her story: “I really enjoy helping people and have always either worked in customer services or community development, I’ve always worked with people. I’ve had lots of jobs and lived in lots of places, and moved to the Bates Estate with my sons 12 years ago.”  

Donna then leads the conversation towards her love for the outdoors and her connection to nature: “I love being outside and seeing other people spending time outside, and I love seeing nature grow and flourish. During covid, being in my garden, having a project, and having something to do saved my mental health. I found out I really liked gardening and was good at it, which is how I met Mitch.” 

Mitch holds the role of vice chair of the Bates Estate Community Residents Association. Donna shared how they would often chat while she was out in her garden. 

“Mitch invited me along to join the committee. I was inspired as there were some issues about the new windows being installed. I knew a lot of the neighbours already and brought a lot of people with me to the meeting. I wanted to help bring back the sense of community and connect people so they could have a say in what happens in the area where we live.

I joined the committee as a member and then became the secretary and treasurer. For about 18 months it was just Mitch, Ian who’s the Chair and me and some mostly inactive committee members, but we have now recruited a new committee.

I was meant to be the record keeper and minute-taker, but my role’s evolved a lot over the last two years.” 

It is clear from the way that Donna speaks that she not only cares deeply about her community but also has real insight into people’s specific needs. She has local knowledge, a good understanding of the thoughts, feelings and concerns of people, as well as their cultures, faiths and backgrounds. Donna spoke about one of the key issues on the estate: 

“Housing is the main issue for residents. There are so many housing-related issues, and people don’t know how to get support or who to speak to, and don’t feel supported.  

It can really affect people’s mental health, and there isn’t inclusive or accessible support for lots of people.”   

Donna’s understandably proud of how she supported a neighbour, an elderly woman who moved in with her terminally ill sister to care for her. When her sister sadly passed away, the neighbour was told that she couldn’t remain in the flat and was advised by the council that she’d need to move away from her community.  

Donna was part of a compassionate network that not only supported the resident but also advocated for her through this challenging time. By speaking to the right people, they were able to ensure that she could secure a flat just a minute’s walk from her home, meaning that the resident could remain on the estate and within her community. 

Donna speaks with great passion about her advocacy and support within the community, and it’s clear that what she shares is just a glimpse of the inspiring work she’s doing every day. 

Donna is a true agent of change. With trust in the authorities often running low, she consistently serves as a vital bridge between the community and the council. 

Donna mentioned other housing challenges where she’s helped neighbours navigate often complex and confusing housing systems: 

“I try to signpost people first and empower them, I don’t have all the information, but often people really do need the help and support.

I feel like people trust me and have faith in what I am saying – I love seeing the effect I have on people’s lives.” 

Donna also serves as co-chair, along with Cllr Tobias Sheard, at the quarterly North Area Housing Panel Meetings at the local housing centre, a role she was invited to take on by the previous co-chair and the council.  

Having attended these meetings, I can attest that Donna is not only an outstanding chair, but she also has an exceptional knack for bringing together the right council teams to tackle everything from fly-tipping to faulty streetlights. What sets her apart is her ability to ensure these issues are not just talked about but actively addressed. 

“The council’s Estate Services Team have been absolutely first class because they have come out and met with us face to face. City Clean as well. They’ve walked about with us and really listened. The Community Engagement Team have also been great and also local Cllr Ty Goddard.” 

When asked about future plans, Donna responds without hesitation: 

“I’ve seen people struggle much more over the last few years with the cost of living – I know how many families there are on the Bates Estate who are struggling. 

We need a food provision project and I’m speaking to local organisations about that at the moment.

Clare from the Community Engagement Team discovered two unused spaces within the estate. One could be used for storage and one as a community hub.

We need to have a clearly defined space where we can hold meetings in the community and offer support. We can have different organisations coming in to offer essential advice; we are waiting for a surveyor to come and have a look.” 

Throughout the conversation, Donna’s eyes light up with enthusiasm when she talks about helping others.  

When the conversation shifts back to the importance of green spaces and her love of gardening, Donna reminds me of a corner of the estate that she showed me last year, a space that she transformed into a beautiful community garden.  

As well as arranging for an enormous palm tree and a bench to be brought in, Donna dug out the garden and the steps herself, and much like Donna’s unwavering dedication to supporting her community and neighbourhood, the communal space is also truly remarkable.