22/04/2010 : Young tenant nominated for NFA award

Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) has been shortlisted for a major accolade by the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA) whose 69 member organisations oversee more than one million council owned properties across England.

Jessica Perry, aged 18 has been named a finalist in the NFA Awards for "Most Outstanding Young Person" category supported by Rixonway Kitchens.

Jessica was shortlisted because she is passionate about her community and is involved in a variety of projects on her estate. She helps with activities for older people such as card making and swimming sessions. Jessica also runs a gentle keep fit session with older and disabled residents on the estate once a week. She has started a youth group on the estate and works well with young people.

Jessica is also a member of BHP's Youth Editorial Board. She was appointed as Sports Editor, which is very fitting as she loves sports and works part-time at Wembley Stadium. Jessica attends meetings on a regular basis and is an active member of the group. She contributes ideas and is currently working on articles about the launch of the new England football kit, and the work of the Groves residents association in the local community.

The NFA Awards are now in their fourth successful year and were designed to recognise and celebrate the hard work and achievements of ALMO tenants and resident groups. The awards honour and credit the individuals and groups who do so much at ground level and beyond to make a real difference to communities across the country.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on 15 July as part of the NFA's annual two-day conference attended by prominent individuals from the housing sector including MPs and Ministers.

The awards were judged by an independent panel: Alison Inman, Chair of the National Federation of ALMOs; Michael Gelling, Chairman of TAROE (Tenants and Residents Organisations of England); and Roger Jarman, Head of Housing at the Audit Commission.

On being named as a finalist, Jessica Perry said: "Being nominated for this award is a real honour. I love working with the community and it is very rewarding to know that you can make a real difference to people's lives."

Alison Inman, NFA Chair and judge, said: "These awards recognise individuals, groups and projects which go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in their communities. Year-on-year, the quality of award entries has been so high, and this year was 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."