Homes for Haringey recognises its resident volunteers

Friday 27 March 2009

Haringey’s unsung heroes had a well deserved moment in the spotlight this week as Homes for Haringey recognised their extensive voluntary contributions to the community. Activities included working with young people, supporting elderly people and ongoing participation in residents’ associations.

The first ever Rewarding Resident Volunteers event, organised by Homes for Haringey’s Resident Involvement team, was held at the Civic Centre on Monday 23 March.  

Eight individuals/groups were selected from a total of 23 nominations. They are: Tammy Barbour and Tracey Goddard of the Ferry Lane Action Group (FLAG); Hortense Kolade Estate Monitor and Advocate at Northumberland Park; David and Kay Singh from Broadwater Farm Residents’ Association; Caroline Mottram, Advocate at Mountview Court; Margaret Clarke from The Sandbunker Youth Centre; Gwenda Owens from Campbell Court Residents’ Association; the Milton, Willow and West Green Residents’ Association and the Edgecot Grove Residents’ Association.

In addition, Bob and Maureen Towerzey from The Sandlings estate were chosen for a Special Award for Outstanding Commitment and Achievement.

All the winners were presented with a special plaque by Paul Bridge, Chief Executive, and Ola Akinfe, Executive Director of Asset Management, and will be given £300 to spend on community projects of their choice.

The event also hosted a one-off Special Grants scheme, funded by Homes for Haringey’s decent homes contractor partners. All the borough’s Residents’ Associations were invited to put forward their ideas on what they would like for their community. The 24 eligible groups who applied were each granted £220 to pay for or put towards ideas ranging from plants and garden furniture to theatre trips and outings, with one sheltered housing scheme opting for a Keep Fit Wii! They were also presented with a framed certificate by Councillor John Bevan, Cabinet Member for Housing.

Feedback from the event, attended by around fifty people, was highly positive, with comments ranging from “It’s really good to feel appreciated” to “It would be lovely if this could become an annual event”.

Paul Bridge said, “However hard we work to improve the quality of life for local people, it is residents such as those here this evening who truly make the difference. We really couldn’t do it without you, and I am delighted to be able to show our appreciation of everything you do.”

For further information on Rewarding Resident Volunteers, contact 020 8489 4463.

End

Notes to editors

Download full list of nominees for the Rewarding Resident Volunteers awards.

Download a list of activities submitted by the Residents’ Associations for the Special Grants.

Further news releases on their selected activities will be issued in due course.

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