Member Article

Inspiring local heroes honoured at festive awards ceremony

Local heroes have been honoured this Christmas at North Star Housing Group’s annual Inspirational Tenant Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate the work carried out by tenants and local residents living and working in our communities across Teesside and Teesdale.

The judging panel, made up of North Star staff, was inundated with nominations from across the Group, which made choosing the winners a tough task. The results were announced at an awards ceremony at Bannatyne’s Hotel in Darlington. Children from County Durham’s Evenwood Primary School were on hand to provide entertainment to all the guests with their special Christmas choir.

Emma Rogers and partner Alistair Armitage were awarded the Inspirational Tenant trophy for their work at supported housing scheme Aspen Gardens in Hardwick, Stockton. Community Investment Officer Beth Danby said: “Emma and Ali have worked tirelessly for the residents of Aspen over the past seven years, helping them to raise funds, promoting community events and working with the Hardwick Residents Association, where Ali is vice chair.”

“They do a fantastic job helping out at Aspen and getting members of the community along to events. This year Ali has even contacted Santa, so that the local children will be able to meet him and show him their Christmas lists at the Hardwick residents’ Christmas event.”

“They give up their time and energy entirely voluntarily and are both an absolute pleasure to work with.”

The Inspirational Supported Housing Tenant went to Sharon Harland, who has been involved in countless local community and support initiatives since becoming a tenant in 2012. Supported Housing Officer Nicole Lendon said: “Sharon is a valued volunteer with Middlesbrough-based recovery support group, RECIPE, which delivers a successful Peer Support Service, to offer support to vulnerable people with Addiction/Substance misuse issues. Sharon also finds time to volunteer at Hope North East, with those who are following abstinence based recovery. On top of all this she is also an active member of the Rainham Baking Club a group who host regular tea parties for elderly people in the community. I am so pleased to see that all Sharon’s hard work is being recognised.”

Long serving tenant Carol Pearson was given a special award for Outstanding Contribution. Carol is extremely active within tenant involvement activity for North Star Housing and has been for many years. She is an enthusiastic Chair of the Group’s Tenant Scrutiny Panel and as such has been the driving force behind the implementation of a number of significant front line service improvements for all tenants. Community Investment Officer Beth Danby said: “Carol is a conscientious and passionate advocate for tenants’ views.

“The amount of time Carol donates to North Star Housing Group demonstrates the passion she clearly has for supporting the organisation to improve its services to tenants.

She is very welcoming to new involved residents, taking the time to ensure they feel part of the group and they receive everything they need to take an active role in their community. North Star is incredibly grateful for the time and energy Carol puts into the organisation.“

Angela Lockwood, Group Chief Executive at North Star Housing Group said, “Presenting these awards is one of the highlights of my year. Every year the hard work, good deeds and dedication from our tenants is fantastic to see, and we are proud to be able to celebrate them in this way. My congratulations go out to the winners and all tenants who were nominated this year.”

For more information about North Star Housing Group’s Community Investment programmes contact Beth Danby on 01642 796 324 or email Beth.Danby@northstarhg.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by North Star Housing Group .