Recognising and Valuing Outstanding tenant groups
Added on Thursday 16 Jul 2009
Volunteers in tenants and residents groups work fantastically hard for the people of North Lanarkshire. Volunteers come together raising the voice of communities, influencing services and improving areas. And they are fantastically successful.
As well as local work, tenants & resident groups influence area wide services through the North Lanarkshire Federation. Groups respond to Federation surveys, attend open meetings & events, get involved in Federation working groups, get free training, write articles for their newsletter or advertise themselves on the Federation website. This is on top of very busy workloads in local communities.
At their first conference the North Lanarkshire Federation recognised this and proudly launched its award scheme for exceptional contributions to area wide work. The conference was attended by around 100 delegates from tenant groups throughout the area.
NLF chairperson, Robert Arthur explains, “We are thankful that last year 49 resident groups got involved with the Federation. It’s by having such great members that the Federation is successful in influencing council services & decisions. Three groups went beyond the call of duty last year supporting the Federation & contributing at every opportunity. We recognise and value this.”
Winning the two Commendable Contribution Awards were:
Harthill Tenants & Residents Association, Shotts &
Central Coatbridge Tenants & Residents Association.
“We were very surprised & happy to get an award. It’s great to be part of the North Lanarkshire Federation. We have good relationships with the committee. They are very approachable and a give good information & advice.” David Loft, Chairperson, Harthill & Eastfield Tenants & Residents Association.
Gordon Encinias, Chairperson, Central Coatbridge Tenants & Residents Association says:
“Getting the award was fantastic. Members of our group work so hard, so it’s really great to get recognised. It’s a real boost for morale. We never thought we’d get an award.”
Winning the top prize, the Outstanding Contribution Award 2009 was Chapelhall Tenants & Residents Association, Airdrie. Gabriel Smith, Chairperson of Chapelhall group proudly spoke at the conference:
“We are delighted to get this award. We want to thank the Federation for their excellent work. Only by working together can groups have such a strong voice. I hope more groups get involved and next year someone else will be standing on this stage.”
