GCH Community Recognition Awards

Gloucester City Homes has paid tribute to the outstanding community work of its residents at the company’s Community Recognition Awards held at Bowden Hall in December.  

The awards highlighted the outstanding commitment and community work of GCH residents during the year. The event was also an opportunity to recognise the bravery of residents who have acted as witnesses in court cases, enabling GCH and Project Solace, which is managed by GCH, to deal with serious anti-social behaviour and ensure that City residents can live peacefully in their homes and communities. 

The evening also highlighted the achievements secured through GCH’s partnership work with the Police, Gloucester City Council and community agencies in dealing with anti-social behaviour in communities in the City. 

At the event, GCH was delighted to present its Good Neighbour Award for 2011 to sheltered housing resident Joan Jones. Selected from a shortlist of three finalists, Joan impressed the judges with her fundraising and organisational skills, along with her support of other residents in the scheme. 

One judge, GCH tenant Board Member Dorothy Smith said ‘All the nominations were excellent but we have to choose a winner. Joan seems too good to be true and I wish I lived nearer to the scheme so I could join in.’ 

Judge Cllr Tarren Randle, added ‘Joan is so special, a modern Mary Poppins. I am amazed at the number of people she helps.’ 

The judges also chose to Highly Commend Penny Ridler from Podsmead and Jim McCambridge, another sheltered scheme resident, for their work.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of GCH’s Young Person of the Year Award to 16-year-old Greg King.  

The judges selected Greg King as Young Person of the Year, saying ‘we are so impressed at what Greg has achieved in such a short space of time. He is obviously committed to helping others, as he freely gives his time, day and night, not only close to his home but also travelling to provide care and support to others.’ 

The judges were impressed by the variety of excellent work and actions of the nominees for this award, ranging from charity work, fund raising, voluntary works and being a positive role model for younger people.

Highly Commended Awards went to Jack Woodward and Harriet Mitchell, both aged 17 years, for their outstanding achievements. 

GCH Chief Executive Ashley Green, Inspector Neil Smith and Community Youth Worker Delroy Ellis gave informative presentations at the event, underlining the importance of the work residents do and also the challenge of providing opportunities for young people in our communities. 

Commenting on the award ceremony Ashley Green said:

‘It was a privilege to meet and pay tribute to the many residents who have worked so hard during the last year to help others and to make our communities safer places to live. 

Without the support and bravery of these residents, we would not be able to succeed in the cases we have taken to court to deal with anti-social behaviour in our neighbourhoods. 

I would like to thank all the residents who have played such a vital role in our communities in 2011, in particular these outstanding young people who act as such excellent role models for other young people in the City.