Tenants Toast Helena’s First Decade of Investment

Published by Ashley M for Helena Partnerships in Housing

Long-standing tenants of Helena Partnerships have toasted the 10^th birthday of the housing association, which has invested £1 million into their town every week since it launched in 2002.

Michael Gaskell and Kenneth Wilson are among the 6,000 tenants who have lived in a Helena property since the stock transfer 10 years ago and benefitted from the £490 million invested in St Helens by the association.

Thatto Heath resident Kenneth Wilson said: “I’ve spent most of my life moving around but finally putting down some proper roots has made me so much happier.

“When I first moved to the area there was trouble with young people causing disturbances, but I’ve watched my neighbourhood be transformed by Helena over the last 10 years.”

A group of 20 Helena staff, including Chief Executive Rob Young, have also celebrated their own achievement of providing a combined 200 years of uninterrupted service, after each completing a full decade of working for the organisation without any absences.

Rob Young, Chief Executive at Helena, said: “Reaching a decade in business is a special milestone and we are so proud of what we have achieved by working with our tenants, community volunteers and business partners.

“While the economic and housing landscapes are very different today than they were 10 years ago, we are as ambitious as ever and ready to face those challenges head on.”