Chevin Housing shortlisted for the 2010 Housing Heroes Awards

Sid Stairs, a resident of Harrogate Court in Doncaster (Chevin Housing Association’s extra care scheme) has been shortlisted from more than 300 entries for the 2010 Housing Heroes Awards. These awards are in their second year and will once again shine the spotlight on the people and teams that are doing great work in the social/affordable housing sector.

Sid is now one of six finalists left in the running for the Inspirational Tenant of Year Award.

The event is organised by Inside Housing magazine and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), and attracted a phenomenal response with submissions from the length and breadth of the UK.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at London’s Hilton Hotel on 14 May hosted by TV presenter, Antarctic explorer and Atlantic rower Ben Fogle. The awards are sponsored by Campbell Tickell, EMA, Asset Skills, Synergy Group and The Hire Standard. Last year more than 700 people attended.

Howard Farrand, the President of the CIH said he was amazed by the fantastic people working in the housing sector. “Our sector spends a great deal of time talking about policy and strategy, business plans and budgets, our visions and our mission statements. Of course all of these things are really important. But in my experience it is the extraordinary people that do fantastic work for our customers that make the real difference. So I want to congratulate every finalist for getting this far in these awards. It was extremely tightly contested, and I look forward to helping to unveil the eventual winners in May.”

Inside Housing’s events director Ted Stevens said: “All the finalists have done brilliantly in getting this far. Well done to Sid for getting shortlisted. The competition was really fierce with more than 40 entries in some categories.”

Janice Poole, Scheme Manager for Chevin Housing commented “Sid’s entry outlines how he set up a shop within the scheme for the residents and the local community. We have experienced the worst winter in many years and without Sid taking an active lead in the shop lots of people would not have been able to get essentials - it has proved to be a real life-line. We are all proud that Sid has been shortlisted for this award. The shop has made such a difference, not only to Sid’s life, but to residents on the scheme and the wider community. His motivation and enthusiasm is truly inspirational”.

Photographed: Sid (front left) with two residents who help with the running of the shop.