Southern Housing Group has gone the extra mile to honour residents who work to benefit others.
About 65 residents and staff attended the Group’s second annual “Unlocking the Potential of People Awards” at the Regents Park Holiday Inn. Held on Wednesday 26 October, the awards recognise individuals and groups who make a positive difference in their communities.
The ceremony was the highlight of the afternoon event which was opened by Group Chief Executive, Tom Dacey.
Residents participated in round table discussions focused on various themes including volunteering, social enterprise and green issues.
Palma Black, Southern Housing Group Community Regeneration Manager, said the ideas generated during last year discussions had lead to the formation of an online resource for community groups and volunteers.
“We want to ensure our resident volunteers and community groups have access to the resources, support and information they require to develop their projects. The online resource will provide advice on several topics including how to write a funding application and organise events as well as outlining ways residents can get involved in their local community. The Group aims to update and develop the site continually to ensure it meets the evolving needs of our residents.”
Award winning guest speaker – comedian, broadcaster, and consultant Simon Fanshawe – spoke about his former volunteering activities which was greeted with generous audience applause.
Eleven winners were presented with framed certificates during the awards ceremony.
Individuals and groups are nominated for the awards by staff or fellow residents. Entries are shortlisted by a four person judging panel, compiled of three Group staff and an independent judge, who determine the winners.
Three of the award categories - Youth, Improving Community Cohesion and Significant Contribution to a Community - recognise residents whose volunteer efforts have benefited others in their local communities. A fourth “Greener Living” category was introduced this year to celebrate individuals or groups who create positive environmental change.
Peter Atkinson, Project Coordinator of the Chale Community Project, was runner-up in the Greener Living Award category.
“It was totally unexpected and a huge surprise to have received such a prestigious award,” he said. “While my name is on it, the award is for all those people who have helped me on the project throughout the last year. For our project to be recognised alongside the work of some bigger community groups was extremely humbling.”
Palma said: “The Unlocking the Potential Awards is an opportunity for the Group to celebrate and recognise the outstanding work carried out by our residents within their local communities. The event is a chance for us to gain an understanding of any barriers they may face in undertaking this work and identify ways the Group can support them.”
Social and Economic Regeneration Director, Anabel Palmer, said: “We are fortunate to have such dedicated residents who volunteer their time and expertise to make a different to their communities. These awards are a testament to their work, recognising the positive impact they have make on others’ lives.”
“Our new Greener Living Award reflects the Group’s and residents’ increasing focus on environmental sustainability and its key role in community life.”
Southern Housing Group’s Unlocking the Potential of People Award recipients:
Improving Community Cohesion award
- Winner – Pathways Project
- Joint Runner’s-up – Cyprus Area Project Panel and Computers in Communities Volunteers
Youth award
- Winner – Northbourne Action Group (Youth) in partnership with Northbourne Action Group
- Runner up – GROW Project
Significant contribution to a community award
- Joint winners – Maggie Williams and Karen Pannell
- Highly Commended – Michael Shepherd
Greener Living award
- Winner – Wellend Villas Growers Group
- Runner-up – Peter Atkinson
- Highly Commended – 54 St Johns Road residents