A local housing association and their partners recently celebrated the unsung heroes within their communities who make a real difference to others, at their annual Community Heroes Awards.
Platform Housing Group, whose vision is to build a better future by investing in affordable homes, services and communities, first launched their Community Heroes Awards in 2022, to highlight the incredible work that their customers and partners do in their local communities.
Marion Duffy, Chief Operations Officer at Platform Housing Group said: “I was honoured to have been a judge on Platform’s Community Heroes Awards panel, along with our board member Lou Zonato and Customer Engagement Panel member Shaolan Menzies. It was such a pleasure to read through all the amazing entries, and extremely difficult to choose the winners.”
“In what continues to be a challenging time for many of us, it’s lovely to say thank you to our customers and organisations that go above and beyond to serve their local community.”
The Digital Inclusion Award is presented to an individual or organisation who has either developed their own digital skills or used them to make a difference to others. This award was awarded to Alford Hub in Lincolnshire, who work to verify information online, only publish from trusted sources, offer practical help to people online and through signposting, as well as connect people to organisations which offer support.
Lynette Pryke, Founder and Co-ordinator at Alford Hub said: “Thank you so much for this award; it is truly accepted on behalf of all our volunteers who give so freely of their time and everyone else who supports us.”
Ben Clifford, Travis Perkins Account Manager for the Midlands noted how: “we assume that everybody has access to a phone or laptop, but the reality is far from the truth. People who give up their time to help those who need support with technology are vital and we are so pleased to be involved and sponsor these awards.”
The Environmental Award, which is presented to someone who contributes to helping wildlife, climate change or making improvements to their local living environment, was won by Pauline Goldingjay, from Castle Bromwich, Birmingham. Pauline, who is 88 years of age, is a notable community hero who ensures that the area around her home is regularly litter picked.
Pauline commented: “When I open my curtains in the morning I want to look out at a nice clean and tidy view and that’s why I do it. I can’t get over the fact that I have won! Thank you.”
Bukola Obadun-Craigs at Roythornes Solicitors gave their congratulations to Pauline’s efforts and: “those of individuals like you making a difference in the world to create a sustainable future for generations to come…your award is a testament to the significant and positive impact you are making at Platform. Well done, Pauline!”
The Young Person Award is presented to a young person making a difference to others, whether through volunteering, caring or helping others. Due to the high calibre of nominations, the award was shared between two winners, Jack and Lola.
Jack is eight years old and lives with autism. He is a fantastic representative of his community, and he and his mum, Mel, have written and published a book starring Jack which shows how his autism gives him superpowers.
Commenting on the award, Jack said: “I am so happy to win! I’m not going to stop being a superhero though, I want to be the voice of my community and other superheroes.”
At only six years old, Lola took part in a 5km walk for bone cancer research, on which she picked up litter to help the wildlife. She managed to raise £250 for the charity.
James Fahy, Relationships Manager at Michael Page, who sponsored the event, commented: “We have worked with Platform for several years now and feel very invested in the community work that is being done. Sponsoring this award is a great way to get involved at a real grass roots level.”
The Going the Extra Mile Award is presented to someone who goes above and beyond to help others, and this year’s winner was Jodi Bradbury from Winnies in Winthorpe, Skegness. Originally starting out as a volunteer over 10 years ago, Jodi is currently their Community Coordinator. She has been instrumental in starting local groups at Winnies, including warm hub sessions, coffee mornings and clubs, in particular a regular Lunch club which Jodi prepares and cooks all the food for.
On winning the award, Jodi felt: “real recognition for what we do here”, she commented that: “My dream is that in the future we can purchase the building from the church and create a purpose-built place for the whole community.”
Chris Drabble, Partner at Devonshires, said: “We are honoured to be the sponsors of the Going the Extra Mile award. We congratulate Jodi Bradbury on winning this important award and we are pleased that the incredible work she has been doing in her community has been recognised.”
Platform’s Community Heroes Awards were made possible by the generous sponsorship of the main event sponsors, Travis Perkins as well as the Digital Inclusion Award sponsors, Roythornes Solicitors, Michael Page Group and the Going the Extra Mile Award sponsors Devonshires.
Header image: Jack and Mel – Young Person Award Photo caption: Winner Jack is pictured with his mum Mel, holding Platform’s Young Person Award winner’s trophy, certificate and thank you vouchers.
