NFA Awards Winners Announced

Published by JenCooke for National Federation of ALMOs in Communities and also in Housing

ALMO projects and individuals celebrating today after glittering awards ceremony

The winners of the 2010 National Federation of ALMOs (NFA) Awards were announced at a ceremony last night (15 July) at the Midland Hotel, Manchester.

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 alongside senior industry figures, MP’s and Ministers. During the awards evening, hosted by Janet Street-Porter, the audience of 350 were treated to a performance by African drumming group NESTAC and exclusive films of the shortlisted projects and individuals.

Youth engagement and encouraging cultural diversity were two of the main themes to come out of this year, with winners including Barnet Homes resident Rui Jorge Octavio and West North West Homes Leeds’ Armley Mosque Project shining through in very tough competition.

Twenty-one year old Rui, winner of Most Outstanding Young Person sponsored by Rixonway Kitchens, was encouraged to organise a young people’s event, titled NUTMEG (New Unique Talented Motivated Energetic Generation), during 2008 Peace Week following the fatal stabbing of a friend. Turning a tragic event into a positive youth outreach programme Rui has continued to expand Nutmeg with over 500 people attending the group’s anniversary event in 2009.

Connaught’s Best Community Initiative category joint winner West North West Homes Leeds’ (WNWHL) Armley Mosque Project was launched as a cohesion scheme to build links with the areas Muslim community through activities such as charity cricket matches and ‘Friday Meals’, where Muslims welcome non-Muslims to the centre to enjoy food together.  The activity has led to greater interaction and a huge reduction in ASB in the area.

West North West Homes Leeds’ also had the honour of being the first winner in a brand new category – the Acceleris People’s Choice Award. Acceleris created short films for each finalist in the Awards and asked the ALMO family to vote for their favourite online. ALMOs asked their employees and residents to vote, utilising their own social media communications - resulting in over 3,800 votes in just ten days demonstrating the growing value and power of social communications in the sector.

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.”

The awards would not have been possible without the kind support of the sponsors; Kier Building Maintenance, Rixonway Kitchens, Morrison Facilities Services, Connaught Partnerships Ltd, and Warm Front Ltd each of whom encourage innovation, progress and achievement within communities and whose work is essential to the social housing sector.