19/07/2010 : Young resident wins top national award

Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) and Brent Council are celebrating today after being selected as winner of a national award by the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA), whose 69 member organisations oversee more than one million council owned properties across England.

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

18 year old Jessica Perry, resident of Brent, won the Most Outstanding Young Person of the Year Award sponsored by Rixonway.

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.

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 and AGM before Jessica Perry was selected as a winner.

During the awards evening, hosted by Janet Street-Porter, the audience of 350 were treated to a performance by African drumming group NESTAC and films of all the shortlisted projects and individuals. 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."

Gerry Doherty, Chief Executive of BHP said: "We are all very proud of Jessica, she is well deserving of this award. At BHP we encourage all residents to be involved in their communities and it is very encouraging to see young people like Jessica giving back and helping others. All of the young people who were nominated for the NFA Award are good roles and a shining example for youths of today."

Designed to honour and credit the individuals and teams who do so much at ground level and beyond, the awards have been developed to recognise and celebrate the hard work and achievements of the country's ALMOs - which manage more than one million council homes, over half of all social housing in England.