Southern stars shine brightly at TPAS Awards
Tuesday 10th May, 2011
The winners of the Southern TPAS Awards were unveiled in London on Friday as inspirational efforts in resident involvement were recognised.
Best practice, work that has improved people's lives, and efforts above and beyond the call of duty were celebrated at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London.
The event was the third of three regional TPAS award ceremonies and the winners join other successful nominations from the Northern and Central sections to compete for national titles that will be announced at the TPAS Conference on July 28.
Pat Fordham of Phoenix Community Housing won the Tenant of the Year award while Torron-Lee Dewar of Hounslow Homes was voted Young Tenant of the Year.
Pat, aged 67, has been a voluntary 'community activist' for 22 years, progressing onto numerous housing boards and committees organised by Lewisham Council, including being chair of the Tenants Strategy Group.
She has worked tirelessly for the local community culminating in her chairing the tenant-led Phoenix Community Housing Association and receiving an MBE for services to Lewisham in the New Year's Honours list.
Torron-Lee Dewar's efforts to make a difference in his community shone through to impress the judges. His dedication has seen him create the Alliance Dance Unit to encourage others to commit to a life of positive action and involvement in dance to help integrate more people into society.
The project has been so successful that more than 100 people aged between eight and 21 take part every week, making a big difference to youngsters' lives and the local community.
TPAS Chief Executive, Michelle Reid, said: "The Southern section is the last of our regional award ceremonies this year and once again the standard of nominations has been incredibly high. I certainly don't envy the judges as they make their final decisions about the TPAS national winners.
"I would like to congratulate everyone on their success and thank them for their contribution. It is truly humbling to see, and it's vital that this work is promoted nationally to others.
"Good luck to all the regional winners in the final in July."
Here is the list of winners:
- Best Practice in the Community – International Cookery Exchange, Southampton City Council
- Best Practice in Supporting People – Activity Co-ordinators, Southampton City Council
- Best Practice in Youth Involvement – Junior Wardens, Cheltenham Borough Homes
- Equality and Diversity – The Faces of Resident Iinvolvement, SOHA Housing
- Team of the Year – Training Initiative for Leaseholders and Tenants, LB Hillingdon
- Tenant / resident involvement officer of the Year (landlord) – Komal Doan, The Hyde Group
- Tenant / resident liaison officer of the Year (contractor) – Annabelle Macbeth, Mears
- Young Tenant of the Year – Torron-Lee Dewar, Hounslow Homes
- Tenant of the Year – Pat Fordham, Phoenix Community Housing
