Outstanding work celebrated at northern TPAS awards
Monday 14th February, 2011
The winners of the north section of the 2011 Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) awards have been unveiled.
Held in Manchester, the awards recognised the efforts of tenants' and housing associations' to improve people's lives and communities in the north of England.
Winners now go into a national final to compete against successful nominations from the central and south sections.
Tenant of the Year was won by Christine Doyle of Knowsley Housing Trust, while Matt Smith of One Vision Housing took the Young Tenant of the Year title.
For 42 years Christine Doyle has been a champion for local residents, setting up community groups and organising activities. She recently trained as an eco champion and now advises on the best utility tariffs to help tenants save money, and took 90 disadvantaged children on holiday with lottery funding.
For the first time, TPAS has recognised the excellent work of young tenants and Matt Smith's contribution to his community and inspirational work resulted in him winning the north section award.
His tireless work to create opportunities for others and his knowledge and expertise enable him to work as a youth engagement consultant as well as chairing One Vision Housing's Youth Forum.
TPAS Chief Executive, Michelle Reid, said: "Congratulations to everyone who was nominated as well as the winners – your efforts and outstanding work is making a huge difference to communities across England.
"Once again the standard of entries was incredibly high and the awards continue to ensure we recognise all those who live and work in social housing and whose energy, dedication, innovation and talent make such a difference.
"The north region final has really set the tone for the central and south sections that follow in the coming months and it is going to be a fascinating final in July as we celebrate the best from the three areas."
The Best Practice in the Community award went to Merseyside Resident's Network for its Door Step Project which has given 1,500 vulnerable tenants the confidence to open their front door to callers in safety.
The Best Practice in Supporting People title was taken by H3, a group of current and ex-residents of Stockport Homes' Temporary Accommodation schemes that offers a vital link for service users to come together, share their experiences and develop valuable support networks that help to assist them once they move on.
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