Tenants see double at awards night » Communities » 24dash.com

Two tenants of New Charter in Greater Manchester were recognised for their courage and contribution at the Respect Awards for Taking a Stand (RAFTAS) this week.

Darren Holmes of Stalybridge and Taff Jeffery of Dukinfield were each presented with £1,000 by Home Secretary John Reid and Louise Casey, the Government’s Co-ordinator for Respect at a ceremony in London.

The RAFTAS recognise the commitment, energy and courage of people who make their neighbourhoods better places to live, and who inspire others to tackle anti-social behaviour.
 
Darren Holmes is in his mid-twenties and, by his own admission, was involved in minor crime which affects the lives of the community and estate issues.  But he used his status of becoming a dad to change how he and many others related to authority on the Crowswood estate in Stalybridge.  He enlisted the help of New Charter’s staff to start a local football team, targeting the youths whose behaviour was challenging all residents and agencies. Almost immediately, incidents reduced, a pride in the area replaced the vandalism, and Darren has gone on to gain sports coaching qualifications.  But not everyone was enthusiastic, and Darren has had to deal with aggression aimed at him.

He plans to use his £1000 award to widen the football club to other age groups and put another volunteer through the coaching qualifications he followed.

Taff Jeffery became Chair of Central Residents Action Group in Dukinfield five years ago, and brought renewed optimism to his neighbourhood. There have been several notorious families and individuals living in the area, and Taff was never intimidated by them. When residents were too frightened to report and give statements, Taff came forward and enabled the authorities to gather evidence to evict or prosecute.   He gained and retains the confidence of young people in the area, and coordinates the Home Watch scheme for 100 properties surrounding his home.  He was a major part of the success of “Central in Bloom” which won a merit in the Neighbourhood category of the North West in Bloom Awards.

Taff intends to put his £1,000 award to improving CCTV coverage and environmental features to design out crime on Central.

New Charter’s Director of Tenancy Services, Tony Powell said: “It might be easier just to close your door on anti-social behaviour, but our neighbourhoods are the better for people like Darren and Taff.  They represent the best of our communities – residents who care about others, and are prepared to speak out and take action to promote respect and the values of neighbours living peacefully together.  Both of them have stood up to intimidation.  They have successfully worked to provide alternative ways of getting involved in neighbourhoods.  New Charter is iN business for neighbourhoods and these two residents are helping us improve the quality of life on their estates.”

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Press release issued: March 30 2007