There are some truly amazing people within your communities, and we wanted to make sure that everyone is recognised for their achievements and contributions to making where you live a better, brighter place.
This year, you nominated in your hundreds to recognise the inspirational people and groups who are making a positive contribution to your neighbourhood. We recently revealed the winners of the 2023 Be Proud Awards at the Involved Tenant Christmas Party which is dedicated to celebrating remarkable individuals and groups.
Here’s a closer look at the heart-warming stories behind the winners and the differences they have made in your neighbourhoods!
Fred Jones (Greatest Project)
The Peoples Pantry – The People‘s Pantry at Ellesmere Port work for the benefit of the residents in the Wolverham and Stanney Grange area. They base their activities mainly at the Wolverham Community Centre, they offer free lunches and facilitate the food bank provision three times a week. They offer weekly free meals at the Hope Farm Methodist Church. They also work tirelessly overcoming challenges to offer individuals and families a safe, warm, and welcoming space where they can socialise, take part in activities and access support. The group is spearheaded by Tracey Anelay-Jones who inspires the team to give their best in serving the local community.
Maureen Clunan (Greatest Group) Award
Parklands Community Primary School – An amazing group of teachers who do many community projects and teach their pupils to respect and take care of their community!
Young Person Award
Megan – Megan is a young care leaver who started living independently at 18. She continues to study to improve herself. She has overcome many obstacles and shown real growth living on her own. She always helps others even when she needs help herself.
Steve Sheridan (Volunteer Award)
Melanie Bird – Mel has continued for many years to support homeless people. From offering warm meals and clothes to setting up and delivering meaningful activities that Forfutures customers can engage with. Mel currently runs Soul in a Bowl sessions in Chester and Ellesmere Port, teaching attendees how to cook on a budget and produce a healthy hearty meal each session. Mel has had many things going on in her life recently but still manages to find the passion and energy to turn up each week to make such a difference.
Super Staff Award
Ron Cannon – Ron works in the community to support people who have been sleeping rough or have a history of this experience with complex supports needs. Ron has one of the most challenging frontline roles within HMC. His passion and commitment to making a difference is truly demonstrated in his everyday work. Even when others may have given up on themselves, Ron will not give up. Adopting a trauma informed and person-centred approach, Ron provides intense support to service users, whether that be housing related, financial, health or wellbeing he does it with HEART. When faced with adversity, Ron looks to find a solution to the problems, achieving the best possible outcome for everyone. Ron is a highly valued HMC colleague and well-respected partner within the local authority. Well done, Ron, we appreciate you.
Involved Tenant Award
Nigel Hickmott and Anthony Spurway -Nigel Hickmott and Antony Spurway have dedicated over 45+ volunteer hours to work alongside Cheshire West and Chester Council and ForHousing to improve services. They have both been involved with the development of the Together with Tenants Charter, review of policies, standards, the development of a scrutiny model, and the monitoring of service performance. They are also passionate about their neighbourhood, with Nigel offering support to identify any concerns and reporting them to us and Antony being involved in gathering learning from our first Neighbourhood Scheme.
