SARH customer shortlisted for national award

A Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) customer determined to make a positive difference to the lives of older people has been shortlisted for a national award.

Dawn Baker is Chair of the Alliance, representing tenants of independent living schemes owned and managed by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH). She is one of the finalists for the Tenant of the Year award presented by tenant engagement experts TPAS.

Along with her role on the Alliance, Dawn is the social coordinator at the SARH independent living scheme where she lives, organising trips and social activities for residents. From cooking meals and running weekly bingo sessions to booking accommodation and even driving the minibus taking neighbours on holiday trips, she has inspired a fun-filled community. 

Dawn represents the views of customers in almost 700 SARH homes and has an infectious enthusiasm for getting things done which has increased membership of the Alliance and significantly developed the way that it works with SARH management to improve services received by customers. 

The Woodlands Road resident was nominated by Gavin McAlister, community engagement advisor at SARH, who said: “Dawn has been committed to helping people throughout her life and is known as someone who puts others first. When she moved into an independent living scheme she was determined to do what she could to make life better for her neighbours.”

Housing Plus Group chief executive Sarah Boden added: “Dawn is someone who always looks on the bright side of life and is happiest when she’s helping people. She has overcome challenges in her own life and as a new wheelchair user; she is quickly becoming an advocate for others in her situation. I know that a great number of her friends and neighbours will be delighted to hear that she is in line for a top award.”

The TPAS Awards will be presented on 27 March.