Active Residents Awards 2008

 

Nominations opened for this year’s Hackney Homes Active Residents Awards in October.

Over 50 nominations have been received and we will be publishing details of the shortlisted residents below.

There are three categories to nominate in:

This is to recognise a group of residents who together are having a positive impact on their neighbourhood. The group can be large or small and it can be a formal group such as a Tenant’s and Residents Association, or an informal group who have worked together.

This is to recognise an individual who makes Hackney a better place to live. They might have done something unusual or special for their community, they could have helped in the community for many years or they might stand out for starting a new project.

This is to recognise a young person who has made a positive impact in their neighbourhood and is a role model to others.

Nominations must be received within the set deadline. All nominations received will be date stamped.

Nominations must adhere to the 500 word limit and a maximum of two photographic or audio-visual pieces of evidence can be supplied.

A selection panel consisting of a previous winner, a resident from the planning group, a resident Board member, HH Chief Executive, neighbourhood housing partners representative and rep from resident participation team will short-list three finalists in each category.

The short listing will of the nominations will be done according to the criteria set with the categories. In addition, the following will also be considered:

If you have any questions about the criteria, please contact the Residents Awards Planning Committee on 020 8356 3527

The 2007 Hackney Homes Active Residents Awards were a big hit. The annual event recognises Hackney residents who have volunteered their time and effort for the benefit of their communities, are encouraging others to get involved and are regarded as role models where they live.

Over 100 residents who are actively involved on Tenants' and Residents' Associations (TRAs), Neighbourhood Panels, mystery shopping and youth programmes in Hackney were joined on the night by Great Britain’s paralympic swimmer Dervis Konuralp.

Award winners were nominated by residents in three categories - Resident of the Year, Resident Group of the Year and Young Resident Group of the Year.

Veronica ensures that the voice and needs of residents living on Woodberry Down Estate is not lost in the big regeneration plans for the area. She speaks out on issues and problems affecting the estate and tries to get them solved. By tirelessly attending meetings, reporting problems and speaking to the Council about the concerns of residents, she is helping to make this a better place to live.

Evelyn is 81 years old and has been working tirelessly for her local community She’s a pillar of the local community. She is well-known on the estate and is considered ‘one in a million’ by her neighbours. She is always looking out for other residents on the estates.

For the past 2 years she has been part of a TRA and she has done a lot to get the community together, she has instigated repairs for the benefit of everyone, she has organised outings to the seaside, organised a fun day this Sunday and fireworks this Sunday and is in the process of getting a sports centre for the estate. She has worked very hard for the benefit of the estate.

The TRA works hard to give residents the opportunity to socialise so that residents get the chance to really know one another.This year’s annual outing included a trip to France – a sign of the hard work that goes into the planning of events by this TRA.

The TRA has helped secure funding for a new children’s play area and benches for the whole estate. Regular coffee mornings help bring the residents together. The TRA have worked closely with Hackney Homes and LBH staff for a much improved environment.

The group walk around the estate, report anything that needs to be done and see it through till it is done. They do a lot of work in their own time. The group is always available when needed, attend many meetings on behalf of the estate and always striving to make the estate a better place to live

This group works hard to ensure that residents are fully up to speed in all ongoing developments. This has meant that Haberdasher is trouble free and a happy estate and is an example on good community relations.

They do a good job at fighting for what needs doing on the estate. Without their help, I am sure the estate would not be as clean or secure

Young people are often portrayed as the sole perpetrators of anti-social behaviour and many crimes; yet they are also the victims and this project has highlighted how they are prepared to use their energies in coming up with a solution to a local problem. This group has given young people ownership and responsibility to address different issues in their area.

This will provide a safe place for the children and young people to meet in their own community. The children and young people will be meeting with the local TRA to forge an alliance with adult representatives and build a stronger more cohesive local community.

Sinead is a proactive member of Chatham Victoria youth committee who is always willing to particpate and undertake tasks. She always puts in amazing effort in everything she does. She has completed a youth work course and now ensures the smooth running of youth workshops. She is making Hackney a better place to live by representing the concerns and issues of young people in the borough.

Michelle is a proactive member of Chatham Victoria youth committee who is always willing to participate and undertake tasks. She always puts in amazing effort in everything she does.She has completed a youth work course and now ensures the smooth running of youth workshops. She is a good promoter of young people in the area and is committed to making a difference, by getting involved herself.

Heurecrat is a proactive member of the Chatham Victoria youth committee. He is always willing to take part in things and puts in a great effort in all he does.He has put in a huge effort in encouraging others to take part in the committee. He is a positive role model for other young people in the area and encourages young people to be active.

The judging panel consisted of: