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SOUTH ESSEX HOMES WINS TWO
NATIONAL HOUSING ACCOLADES
 South Essex Homes is celebrating after being selected as winner of two national award’s by the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA), whose 69 member organisations oversee more than one million council owned properties across England. The winners of the 2010 NFA Awards were announced at a ceremony last night at the Midland Hotel, Manchester.
South Essex Homes, staff member Julie Chipperfield won ALMO Team Member of the Year and Exhibition Project Southenders won Best use of Communication.
Representatives from the 20 short-listed ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisations) across the country gathered for the award ceremony, part of the NFA’s annual two day conference and AGM before South Essex Homes was selected as a winner. During the awards evening, hosted by Janet Street-Porter, the audience of 350 were treated to a performance by African drumming group NESTAC and films of all the shortlisted projects andindividuals.
Julie Chipperfield won the award for her commitment and loyalty to helping more vulnerable residents of Southend. Julie has raised over £4,000 for a local women’s refuge, where she is the Manager.
The hostel provides support for people fleeing domestic abuse and in need of specialist support and assistance. Julie has raised these funds through a sponsored walk of Southend seafront involving staff and contractors from South Essex Homes.
Southenders is an innovative and creative project that tells the stories of people that have made Southend their home. The photographic and autobiographical exhibition, telling the story of 20 different people, including residents, Board Members and staff feature different people, originally residing from all over the globe, from Sri Lanka to Albania, all with a common interest, they now live in and love Southend – Making them proud Southenders. The artwork along with the full autobiographical stories, were displayed as part of an exhibition at South East Essex College. The entire project was self sufficient, with officers using their creative writing and photographic skills to produce the artwork all in house
The 2010 NFA Awards ALMO Team Member of the Year category recognises inspirational ALMO team members who have gone above and beyond their daily work responsibilities to support their colleagues, residents and the community.
The 2010 NFA Awards Best use of Communication category recognised the most creative and innovative piece of communication distributed by or to residents. ALMOs that went above and beyond the call of duty, engaging with residents and setting up projects to tackle some of the most difficult issues facing them were represented in the category.
The awards were judged by an independent panel; Alison Inman, Chair of the National Federation of ALMOs; Michael Gelling, Chairman of the National Tenant Voice; and Roger Jarman, Head of Housing at the Audit Commission.
Alison Inman said: “The NFA Awards always command a high standard of entry and this year has been no exception. The creativity, pro-activity and innovation shown by these individuals and teams and, above all, their steadfast commitment to housing and local communities should act as a benchmark for the entire ALMO movement.”
Phil Lyons, Chair of the Board said: “We're all very proud of Julie and the Southenders project for getting these awards and it's a fantastic achievement to get two at the same time. I believe it shows how South Essex Homes continues to improve and be the best that we can be"
Designed to honour and credit the individuals and teams who do so much at ground level and beyond, the awards have been developed to recognise and celebrate the hard work and achievements of the country’s ALMOs – which manage more than one million council homes, over half of all social housing in England.
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