SARH in the running for awards hat-trick

A Stafford-based housing association is on course for a hat-trick of prestigious awards from an organisation representing the customers of social landlords.

Organised by the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS), the awards showcase successful partnerships between landlords, contractors and their customers.

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) has been shortlisted in three separate categories at the TPAS Central Region Awards, with the winners due to be announced at a ceremony in March. The winners of each category in the Central Region will then be put forward for a national award.

The three awards that SARH has been shortlisted for are: • Tenant of the Year • Excellence in Community Action Award • Excellence In Tenant Led Scrutiny

SARH customer David James, known as DJ, was nominated for the Tenant of the Year award for his tireless efforts to help others through his work as a volunteer at the housing association’s Community Resource Centre. After attending a number of courses to boost his own IT skills and self-confidence, he is now passing on what he’s learnt, helping out at the CRC three times a week.  His friendly and approachable manner ensures that he’s a firm favourite of centre users who feel at ease and inspired by his involvement and success.

The Meadow Road Community Allotment Project in Penkside, Stafford, is also in line for the Excellence in Community Action award after it transformed an area of neglected wasteland into a thriving neighbourhood resource. A joint initiative between the residents, local businesses, SARH and Stafford Borough Council, the project has also united the community and provided local residents with the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing.

The efforts of the SARH Customer Board and the community landlord’s Customer Inspectors have also impressed award judges in the Excellence In Tenant Led Scrutiny category. Members of the board and the inspectors work with SARH to improve the way services are delivered and the training and support they receive empowers them to deliver results that benefit all customers.

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, commented: “We are delighted to be so well represented at these awards, particularly as they are staged by an organisation that is committed to customer empowerment.

“We share the same vision as TPAS; working with customers to build great communities.”