Active Residents Awards 2008

Two young rising stars from Hackney’s estates swept the board last night at Hackney Homes’ annual resident awards attended by hundreds of residents from over forty Tenants groups in Hackney.

Ben Woodley and Jammie Dickens who live on an estate in Stoke Newington and have set up a youth club won the Young Resident of the Year category as well as Resident Group of the year.

Husband and wife team Jill and Vince Murrain from Kings Crescent estate won the coveted Resident of the Year for Kings Crescent Youth and Sports Club – that attracts over 150 children and young people with its array of sporting and social activities.

And Ron Devoti who has dedicated 30 years of his life to improving life for residents on Clapton’s estates received a special mention. Since the 1950s Ron has been campaigning tirelessly for others. Ron is well loved and respected within his community and first started out in Hackney by establishing a Boys Club up in the late 1950s. He became Secretary of his own Tenants Association as well as helping establish the Tenants Levy Group and the first Tenants Compact.

James Cook MBE, former British and European super middleweight champion and a prominent force behind the Pedro Youth Centre in Clapton kicked off the evening by giving a gave a rousing speech  encouraging others to give back to their communities.

And retiring Deputy Mayor Jamie Carswell spoke of his admiration for Hackney Homes' residents and the hard work that goes on within communities.

Chair of Hackney Homes Rupert Tyson said: “Tonight has been a really positive evening and we’ve seen how many residents are truly making a difference in their local area and setting an example for us all.”

He added: “I am proud that our winners are real role models to young people and that their peers are acknowledging the impact that they are having on them and in their communities. Hackney Homes is absolutely committed to making residents the heart and soul of this organisation and showing that we value and appreciate your hard work.”

Chief Executive of Hackney Homes Charlotte Graves said: "Whether it is working on your tenant and resident association, organising fun days or social trips or simply being the person who helps to report things happening on your estates, all of you are creating stronger and better communities in Hackney.

Despite the challenges and the barriers that you may face, you are working together, working hard and fighting to improve your communities for everyone.”
She added: “It is this determination that is helping to forge a better future and a better Hackney.

Nominations opened for this year’s Hackney Homes Active Residents Awards in October. Over 70 nominations were received and across the three categories:

Resident Group of the year
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.

Resident of the year
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.

Young resident of the year (under 25)
This is to recognise a young person who has made a positive impact in their neighbourhood and is a role model to others.