Housing hero

• Individual nominated: Maggie Taylor
• Organisation: Rural Housing Assocation

Statement of support

Rural Housing is delighted to nominate Maggie Taylor for this award in recognition of her exceptional contribution to addressing housing challenges and strengthening community life within Rural Housing Association. Since becoming a tenant in 2023, Maggie has demonstrated commitment, leadership and innovation in improving both the physical environment of her scheme and the wellbeing, and engagement of fellow residents.

From an early stage in her tenancy, Maggie actively sought opportunities to become involved and make a positive difference. She quickly became a valued member of our tenant panels, where she has played a key role in advocating for local tenants in the Eglinton area. Through her thoughtful contributions, clear communication and deep understanding of tenant needs, Maggie has ensured that residents’ voices are heard and that issues affecting their homes and communities are raised constructively and effectively.

One of Maggie’s most inspiring achievements has been her leadership in reinvigorating an unused green space within the grounds of her scheme. Recognising both the environmental and social potential of this area, Maggie worked with residents and staff to transform it into a vibrant shared space where tenants can grow vegetables, socialise and engage with nature. This initiative has not only improved the appearance of the scheme but has created a welcoming environment that promotes wellbeing, inclusion and community connection. Residents now have a space that supports healthy activity, reduces isolation and encourages meaningful interaction.

Maggie further strengthened this work through her participation in the Green Gyms project delivered in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers. Through this programme, she embraced the combination of exercise in nature with planting, growing and horticultural workshops, enthusiastically encouraging others to get involved. During these sessions, Maggie went above and beyond by preparing and cooking lunch for fellow residents, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere that brought people together and strengthened relationships within the scheme.

This simple but powerful act reflects Maggie’s natural compassion and her lifelong commitment to supporting others. In a previous career, Maggie worked as a support worker for people experiencing alcohol and substance addiction, and the empathy, patience and resilience she developed through this work continue to shape her approach today. She instinctively recognises when people need encouragement, reassurance or practical support, and she consistently offers this in a way that empowers rather than overwhelms.

Maggie’s commitment to learning and personal development is equally impressive. She has recently completed a six week Tenant Participation training with Supporting Communities and has clear ambitions to continue developing her skills through further training, including an OCN in Tenant Participation. Her long-term aspiration to join Rural Housing Association’s Board demonstrates not only her dedication to tenant voice but also her desire to influence housing services at a strategic level, ensuring that the lived experiences of tenants shape future decision-making.

Looking ahead, Maggie continues to innovate. She is currently planning cookery workshops for residents, building on the success of her informal cooking sessions and using food as a way to promote healthy living, confidence-building and social inclusion. These workshops will offer practical skills while also creating opportunities for residents to connect, share experiences and feel part of a supportive community.

Maggie Taylor embodies the very spirit of this award. Through advocacy, environmental improvement, community engagement and personal leadership, she has gone far beyond what is expected of a tenant. Her actions have improved housing conditions, strengthened tenant voice, reduced isolation and created lasting positive change.

Maggie is an outstanding and highly deserving candidate. Recognising her achievements would celebrate not only an exceptional individual but also the powerful role tenants can play in shaping stronger, healthier and more inclusive communities.

Outcomes and achievements

Maggie’s contribution has delivered significant and lasting outcomes for residents, staff and the wider community.

Her advocacy through tenant panels has strengthened tenant voice in the Eglinton area, ensuring that issues are raised promptly and constructively. This has improved communication between tenants and staff and contributed to more responsive and effective service delivery.

The transformation of an unused green space into a productive and welcoming community garden has created tangible benefits. Residents now have access to a shared area that promotes physical activity, mental wellbeing and social connection. Participation in gardening and outdoor activity has reduced isolation, encouraged healthier lifestyles and fostered a strong sense of pride and ownership within the scheme.

Through the Green Gyms project, Maggie helped increase resident engagement in environmental and wellbeing initiatives. Her additional support in providing cooked lunches strengthened relationships, encouraged participation and created an inclusive and supportive environment.

Maggie’s ongoing training and aspiration to join the Board demonstrate her long-term commitment to tenant leadership and governance. Her planned cookery workshops will further enhance skills, confidence and community cohesion.

Most importantly, Maggie’s impact is sustainable. The spaces, relationships and confidence she has helped to build will continue to benefit residents well into the future. 

• Individual nominated: Irena Gustiene and Michael Loughman
• Organisation: North and East Housing Association

Statement of support

Irena and Micheal have been tenants of North and East Housing Association since 2022, they live Cavan, in Loreto Woods, a mixed tenure development with seven NEHA properties embedded in the community. 

Since their move to their forever home, Irena and Michael have been more than heroes in their development. They recognised incredibly early on in their tenancy a desire to improve the community they live in through a variety of methods including estate enhancement, supporting more vulnerable tenants, and integrating in the wider community. 

Both tenants have made a significant contribution to estate enhancement. They not only take pride in their immediate surroundings but their want for enhancement extends to the estate shared spaces. Their ultimate aim for this work is to initiate constructive change while creating safer, orderly, and more aesthetically pleasing living environments for themselves, their immediate neighbours, and their wider community through practical actions. By improving the quality, appearance, and usability of shared spaces within their community the physical environment has been enhanced with a greater sense of pride and inclusion reverberating throughout the neighbourhood. Some examples of their work to date include, planning and installation of a central flowerbed, a campaign for enclosed bin-sheds, a tenant led project for a drying shed and a review of the current parking spaces for their estate. 

Over the past five years, both Irena and Michael have demonstrated a natural empathy towards their neighbours, particularly those most vulnerable. They have remained committed to other tenants who require additional support in terms of their vulnerabilities by offering endless support, help, advocacy all within the realm of compassion and dignity. They have spent time building positive friendships and support structures with their neighbours and are selfless in their time, resources etc. to ensure no neighbour is excluded due to capacity or circumstance. 

Finally, both tenants continue to actively integrate not only themselves, but all NEHA tenants into the wider estate and local community. While their initial premise for this commitment was to ensure social cohesion the outputs have been outstanding in terms of positive mixed-tenure estate. They worked tirelessly, forming positive connections with different housing tenures and forging stronger community ties within the estate. There is a sense of shared responsibility and accountability for community spaces and more equal and valuable social interactions between all. They have achieved a strong community sense of belonging, value, and inclusion for all tenants regardless of their housing circumstance. 

At North and East Housing Association we acknowledge the “heroics” of these tenants, who have gone beyond all tenant engagement expectations to achieve so many positive differences in the short time they have been tenants. They have not only improved the estate the reside in, enhanced the lives of their neighbours and the wider community, but they are piloting the direction in setting an inspirational example of active, authentic, responsible, and altruistic tenant engagement. 

Outcomes and achievements

It should be noted the work of Irena and Michael has been self-directed and tenant led from the offset; these tenants have remained steadfast in their approach to their goal of creating “one community” within a mixed tenure development. Their outcomes are easily identifiable through the realisation of their objectives. 

Loreto Hall has undergone several estate enhancements, with more in the pipeline, which has created a more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing place to reside. 

By initiating neighbour support activities, they have offered practical help to more vulnerable tenants, enhancing their lived experience and in some cases aiding in the sustainability of other neighbours’ tenancies. These acts have also led to a greater sense of belonging for other tenants who without the support of Irena and Michael may be isolated and excluded from their community. 

There is a greater sense of wider and deeper tenant participation directly correlated to the work the tenants have undertaken to strengthen the positive integration of all on the estate. There is a recognisable community cohesion which demonstrates the outcome of tenant-led initiatives.  

• Individual nominated: Hafida Chendali
• Organisation: Ark Housing Association

Statement of support

Hafida is a resident currently living in Ark Housing’s temporary accommodation in South Belfast whose lived experience, resilience, and dedication to others have made her a pillar of the community and a powerful voice for the social housing sector.

Hafida has transitioned from navigating the complexities of the asylum and housing systems to becoming one of its most influential advocates. Remarkably, Hafida manages this commitment while being a dedicated mother of five children, ranging in age from 21 months to 18 years. Her work meets the criterion of raising awareness about housing issues and advocating for tenant rights through high-level strategic engagement. As well as the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Lived Experience Advocacy Programme in partnership with Housing Rights, Homeless Connect, funded by the Royal Foundation Homewards Programme, she has worked alongside the Homelessness Prevention Forum to share insights that directly influence policy and decision-making.

Her journey provides inspirational stories that encourage other tenants and housing professionals to take action. Hafida’s influence reached a pinnacle as a Keynote Speaker at the CIH All Ireland Summit, where she spoke with sincerity on the intersection of immigration and housing. Hafida is an asset within Homeless Services, attending every resident meeting and volunteering her time to ensure community engagement activities are a success. Whether she’s preparing food for Big Lunch celebrations or welcoming new residents, her dedication encourages everyone around her to take part in the cooperative, positive work of Ark’s Homeless Services team. Her seat on the Board of the Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI (EMSONI) further demonstrates her commitment to representing diverse voices at a governance level.

Hafida’s influence extends far beyond her own home, providing a demonstration of long-term benefits and ongoing positive impact within the community. She has become a vital resource for families in temporary and Mears accommodation, selflessly sharing her insights to help them navigate the complexities of the asylum system in Belfast. By providing this peer-to-peer guidance, she helps vulnerable families integrate more quickly and avoid the pitfalls of housing instability. Her commitment to local volunteering and her role as a bridge between diverse community groups ensure that her actions create a lasting legacy of inclusion and empowerment. Hafida is not just a tenant; she is a community leader who embodies the spirit of a true Housing Hero.

Outcomes and achievements

Hafida’s dedicated advocacy and community work have led to tangible improvements in how housing services are perceived and delivered. Her contributions over the past year have moved beyond personal success to create a wider community benefit.

Key achievements and outcomes include:

• Strategic Influence: As a Keynote Speaker at the CIH All Ireland Summit, Hafida influenced hundreds of housing professionals, advocating for more inclusive policies regarding immigration and housing.
• Governance and Representation: Through her role on the Board of EMSONI and her participation in the NIHE Lived Experience Advocacy Programme, she ensures that multi-ethnic and tenant voices are represented at the highest levels of decision-making.
• Empowering Vulnerable Families: Hafida has provided critical navigation support, information and translation to numerous families in temporary and Mears accommodation, reducing their isolation and helping them secure stable futures.
• Community Leadership: Her attendance at resident meetings and her volunteer work have increased participation rates among fellow residents living in temporary accommodation, ensuring a stronger sense of collective responsibility.

Hafida’s bravery in speaking out, while managing the demands of a large family, makes her an inspirational figure whose impact serves as a benchmark for tenant participation. 

• Individual nominated: Seamus McKenna
• Organisation: Choice Housing

Statement of support

Linen Mews, Lurgan is a Category One Choice housing scheme that supports independent living for mature and older tenants. Since taking up his tenancy in January 2016, Seamus McKenna has become one of the longest-serving residents within the scheme while consistently demonstrating an exceptional commitment to supporting his fellow tenants and improving the quality of life within the community.

From the early days of his tenancy, Seamus has taken an active and practical role within the scheme, not only advocating for himself but also for those around him. Seamus is involved in the Association’s Tenant Engagement Networks as well as being a Community Champion for his area. He regularly monitors the communal areas within his scheme, ensuring they remain clean, welcoming, and free from health and safety concerns. His actions have helped create a safe and pleasant environment for all residents, particularly those who may have limited mobility or health issues.

Seamus has also been proactive in supporting elderly, vulnerable and often isolated tenants by reporting repairs on their behalf through his Area Housing Officer. This ensures that issues are addressed promptly and that tenants who may struggle to navigate reporting systems, or feel digitally excluded, still have their housing needs met. Through this advocacy, Seamus has raised awareness of tenant needs and ensured that tenant voices are heard and acted upon.

During the summer months, Seamus brings tenants together by organising a small gardening club within the scheme. This group works collectively to maintain the grounds, including flower beds and shared outdoor spaces. This initiative not only improves the physical appearance and tidiness of Linen Mews but also encourages social interaction, reduces isolation and fosters a strong sense of community pride among residents.

Seamus maintains regular fortnightly contact with his Area Housing Officer, providing ongoing feedback and representing tenant concerns in a constructive and solution-focused manner. His approach has strengthened communication between tenants and housing staff and has contributed to the effective management of the scheme.

Despite experiencing a decline in his own health in recent months, Seamus has continued to place the wellbeing of others at the forefront of his actions. A particularly powerful example of his compassion and commitment occurred on Christmas Eve, when Seamus personally arranged Christmas Day dinners for vulnerable tenants who would otherwise have been alone. He collected the meals from a local deli and delivered them to tenants across the scheme. 

Seamus’s Area Housing Officer described him as someone who “holds the welfare of all tenants close to his heart,” highlighting the genuine care and selflessness that underpin his actions.

Seamus is widely regarded as a valued and trusted figure within Linen Mews. Fellow tenants speak highly of him, and his efforts are recognised by housing staff, including the Area Housing Officer, Property Services Officer and Maintenance Assistant. His actions demonstrate long-term benefits for the community by promoting dignity, inclusion and mutual support.

Through his advocacy, leadership and kindness, Seamus has gone above and beyond to address the everyday housing challenges faced by those around him. His story is an inspirational example of how one tenant can make a lasting and meaningful difference within their community.

Outcomes and achievements

Seamus is an exceptional tenant who goes above and beyond for others, creating a positive impact in his housing scheme, tenant networks and the wider community. Through his actions he has: 

• Improved the safety and appearance of Linen Mews by regularly monitoring communal areas and identifying health and safety concerns.
• Supported elderly and vulnerable tenants by reporting repairs on their behalf, ensuring timely responses and improved living conditions.
• Actively raised tenant voices through regular fortnightly engagement with his Area Housing Officer, advocating for tenant needs and rights.
• Strengthened community connections by organising a gardening club that maintains shared outdoor spaces and reduces social isolation.
• Demonstrated exceptional compassion and leadership by organising and delivering Christmas Day meals for vulnerable and isolated tenants.
• Created long-term positive impact by fostering a culture of care, inclusion and tenant-led action within his scheme.
• Inspired tenants and housing professionals through consistent commitment, selflessness and community leadership.
• Continues to support and advocate for fellow tenants despite experiencing a decline in personal health.

• Individual nominated: Dave Maher
• Organisation: Woven Housing Association

Statement of support

Woven is proud to nominate Dave Maher, a tenant at our Scotch Quarter scheme in Carrickfergus for the Housing Hero (Tenant Award). Dave is a quiet, unassuming, yet deeply committed man whose actions have had a significant and lasting impact on tenant voice, community engagement and social housing practice. 

Before entering social housing, Dave owned his own home and had a successful career in the transport sector. In 2008, the financial crisis, combined with his wife’s serious illness, led to a sudden and life changing loss of stability. After a period staying with family, Dave and his wife moved into their current over-55s home at Scotch Quarter.

Rather than seeing social housing as the end of his journey, Dave saw it as an opportunity to give something back. He became actively involved in Woven’s tenant engagement and community involvement programmes, driven by a strong belief that social housing is rich in hidden talent and lived experience, and that tenants should be equal partners in shaping services.

Dave has consistently raised awareness of housing issues and championed tenant rights at local, regional and strategic levels. Through his involvement with Woven, he went on to become a board member of Supporting Communities, eventually serving as Chair, where he advocated for tenants and strengthened the influence of lived experience in housing policy and practice. As a member of the Northern Ireland Housing Policy Panel, Dave further amplified the tenant voice, which included sharing his own powerful personal story at Stormont. His account of becoming a social housing tenant highlighted the life-changing impact of secure, quality housing and inspired elected representatives, housing professionals and fellow tenants alike

He also shared this moving and inspirational personal story at Woven’s first Tenant Conference, inspiring others and raising awareness of housing rights and opportunities for influence.

Dave is involved in a wide range of tenant panels, including regional panel, policy review group, scrutiny and Residents Forums, helping to shape policies, services and environmental improvements. 

With a particular interest in service quality, Dave trained as a tenant mystery shopper, providing honest, real-world feedback that has helped improve service delivery within Woven. His expertise has also supported mystery shopping initiatives across other housing associations through Supporting Communities.

He was a founding member of Woven’s first tenant led Community Newsletter and continues to be an enthusiastic member and contributor. Dave is passionate about ensuring that the newsletter is accessible to everyone. As a result, the publication is available in a wide range of formats - online, hardcopy, and a digital link distributed to all tenants via sms. The digital copy is available in multiple languages and audio format. This publication won ‘Best Digital Publication’ at the Association and Institute Awards 2024 with Dave playing a key role in this achievement. 

At a strategic level, Dave represented tenants as a member of Woven’s Housing Management Committee, contributing to governance, policy development and service improvement. His informed challenge and lived-experience insight helped embed tenant perspectives in decision-making at board level.

What makes Dave truly inspirational is his attitude. He does not see himself as a hero; he acts because he cares. He is passionate about breaking down the “us and them” culture within housing and replacing it with a shared sense of partnership. Dave was instrumental in the success of Woven rebranding; by providing tenant-focused feedback he ensured the change was clear, positive and seamless for tenants.

Dave Maher exemplifies what it means to be a Housing Hero. His advocacy, humility and unwavering commitment continue to strengthen services, inspire others and demonstrate the transformative power of tenant voice.

Outcomes and achievements

Dave Maher’s sustained involvement has delivered clear and lasting outcomes for tenants, Woven Housing Association and the wider housing sector. His advocacy has significantly strengthened tenant voice at local, regional and strategic levels, ensuring services and policies better reflect lived experience. In tenant panels, forums and the Housing Management Committee, Dave has influenced housing management decisions, service improvements and policy development, embedding tenant perspectives at board and governance level.

As former Chair and board member of Supporting Communities, and member of the NI Housing Policy Panel, he raised awareness of housing challenges and the value of social housing, influencing housing professionals and elected representatives. His personal testimony at Stormont and Woven’s Conference has inspired tenants and professionals alike to engage, challenge stigma and take action.

Dave’s role as trained tenant mystery shopper has improved service quality and accountability within Woven and beyond, contributing to better customer experience. As a founding member of Woven’s tenant-led Community Newsletter, he designed an award-winning, fully accessible publication, which won Best Digital Publication at the Association and Institute Awards 2024.

Most importantly, Dave’s work has inspired increased tenant participation, built trust between tenants and staff, and created a culture of partnership with long-term positive impact.

• Individual nominated: Mary Ross
• Organisation: Cluid Housing Association

Statement of support

Mary Ross is a Cluid resident in Lana Aoibhinn, Saint Michael’s road, Longford since 6th June 2016. Mary is being nominated as a community champion due to her consistent engagement in organising and volunteering events within both the Cluid community and the wider Longford community. Mary brings a warmth and positive energy to the community making it a great place to live.

Mary has been a huge help and driving force organising the annual community summer event, for the Longford Cluid estates for the past number of years. Mary gives up her own time to do several leaflet drops to ensure everyone is included, she participates in the planning meetings and is an active volunteer on the day itself to ensure it runs smoothly, and everyone has a day to remember. 

It is the Christmas Event that Mary excels as a true “Community Champion”. Mary takes the lead in organising a “Santa Grotto”, decorated to host “Santa”, who gifts a selection box to each child who attends the yearly event. Mary spends the day decorating the grotto using a lot of her own decorations to bring the magic of Christmas to Lana Aoibhinn. Mary liaises with the local Community Gardai and arranges for Santa to be brought to the estate creating great excitement and instilling a good relationship with the Gardai. On the run up to the event Mary makes sure that everyone knows about the event and are included, she does this by going door to door with leaflets and word of mouth. Mary’s motivation for this magical event is inclusion; she started this event as she stated that some families cannot afford to bring their children to visit Santa due to the current costs. 

Mary takes great pride in the area she lives and strives to make a positive change wherever and however she can. Mary assisted with the formation of a resident group, liaising with both Cluid residents and private tenants of the wider community. In conjunction with the local Cluid Housing officer and Lorraine O’Reilly (LCRL), Mary went door to door to speak with residents to gain support of the community to bring the issue of derelict houses in the wider local area to the local authority. There are several properties that are privately owned in the streets surrounding the Cluid estates that have been vacant and allowed to fall into disrepair over the past number of years. With the trust of the wider community and the motivation to improve the look of her community Mary attended a meeting with private residents, Cluid housing and LCRL with Local Authority representatives to discuss the issue of the derelict houses and the impact they are having on the look of the area. The meeting was very successful and resulted in the local Authority placing Compulsory Purchase Orders on identified properties and began the process of potentially regenerating the wider community.

Aside from Mary’s work within her own community and with Cluid, she also volunteers with the local voluntary charity organisation, DPOL. Mary assists with Church gate collections, fundraising, and events such as helping to organise the recent Christmas party at the Rugby club. 

Mary also raised money for the group, “Laura Lynn” from a sky dive in summer 2025 - €1025 was raised and donated to Laura Lynn.

Outcomes and achievements

Mary has made a huge impact on Lana Aoibhinn, Longford and Cluid. She gives up her free time to ensure that children in Lana Aoibhinn and St Michael Roads have a magical Christmas experience and an enjoyable summer. Mary brings a warmth to her community and puts her heart into everything she does.

Mary is truly a Housing hero!

Below is a few words from people in the community.

Longford Building and Grounds Attendant William Quinn: “In the 10 years I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mary, I have always found her to be the kindest, most obliging person I know. On the estate where she lives, she is the go to person when help is needed for events. Whether it be her voluntary work in Longford tidy towns or fund raising for various local charities, Mary is more than deserving of any recognition.” 

Cluid neighbour: Tommy Sherlock “Mary has been a great asset to the area since she moved in. She tries to get as many people involved as possible. She was great with helping the older residents with planting their baskets at the planting day and is always great with keeping the children in check”.  

• Individual nominated: Valerie Chandler
• Organisation: Oaklee Housing

Statement of support

Small Actions, Huge impact. 

Oaklee and Comhar Housing are committed to building inclusive, supportive and empowered communities. This commitment is clearly seen in Churchwell Gardens, where a strong sense of belonging has grown through the effort and leadership of one remarkable resident: Valerie. Churchwell Gardens forms part of a wider social housing development delivered by Comhar Housing, with Oaklee providing community development and housing management services across the scheme. The success of this neighbourhood is deeply connected to Valerie’s dedication, empathy and quiet strength.

From the earliest days in Churchwell Gardens, residents were eager to create a warm and welcoming environment. Simple conversations over cups of tea in the courtyard quickly helped neighbours get to know one another. Valerie played a central part in building these early connections. Although she had no previous experience with resident groups and had come from a background where neighbours kept to themselves, she stepped forward at a time when the community needed guidance. Encouraged by both staff and fellow tenants, she became Chairperson of the Churchwell Gardens Residents’ Association.

Valerie has a strong commitment to fairness, respect and inclusion. She ensures that every activity and decision in the estate is carried out openly and equally. While she is quiet in nature, she is a powerful advocate for those who may feel unsure or overlooked. Residents trust her to represent their views, raise concerns and speak on their behalf when needed. Many people turn to Valerie for help or reassurance, and she supports everyone with patience, kindness and understanding. Her genuine care has encouraged residents who were once hesitant to become more involved in community life. Valerie has a rare ability to build trust across all ages and backgrounds.

Her contribution extends far beyond the role of chairperson. Valerie takes a personal interest in the wellbeing of every resident. She checks in on older neighbours, keeps an eye out for residents with mobility challenges and ensures communal areas are kept safe and tidy. When the estate’s maintenance worker was absent due to illness, Valerie took it upon herself to manage the communal bins without telling anyone, simply because it needed to be done. She is also regularly seen collecting litter both inside the estate and throughout the wider neighbourhood, showing pride and responsibility for her environment.

Despite the huge difference she makes, Valerie never looks for recognition. Many of her acts of kindness only come to light because others mention them. She helps with dignity and modesty, always putting others first. It is likely that many of her contributions remain unseen.

Valerie also brings joy and fun to the community. Working with her close friend Annemarie and the Residents’ Association committee, she helps organise events that are inclusive, welcoming and memorable. She sources decorations, arranges treats and often dresses in costumes to entertain everyone, especially children. She has appeared as a bumblebee, the Easter Bunny, Saint Patrick and Santa’s Elf. Every costume and contribution has been paid for by Valerie herself, given freely with no expectation of reward.

Valerie represents everything a Tenant Champion should be. Her leadership, compassion and selfless spirit have helped shape Churchwell Gardens into a bright, supportive and connected community where every resident feels valued and included.

Outcomes and achievements

Valerie has made a lasting and meaningful impact on Churchwell Gardens through her ability to build trust, unite neighbours and support residents who may otherwise feel isolated. Some tenants were previously reluctant to engage with housing staff or maintenance teams. Through her patient and understanding approach, Valerie has formed strong relationships with these residents, helping to improve communication and ensuring essential repairs and safety checks could be carried out in homes.

Churchwell Gardens has an active youth group, and in earlier years some young people were linked with antisocial behaviour in the wider area. Valerie chose to engage rather than exclude. She built friendly, respectful relationships with these young people and helped bring older and younger residents together. During a Christmas event, she was seen laughing with the group and even trying out one of their scooters, which sent a powerful message of acceptance and understanding.

During a period of social tension in the surrounding area, Valerie also played an important part in challenging racism and promoting respect within the estate. She handled difficult conversations calmly and firmly, ensuring Churchwell Gardens remained a safe, welcoming and inclusive place.

Valerie’s leadership continues to strengthen community bonds and improve the lives of residents across Churchwell Gardens. 

• Individual nominated: Carmel Grant
• Organisation: Newington Housing Association

Statement of support

Carmel Grant is an outstanding example of a tenant who has demonstrated innovation, leadership, and unwavering commitment to addressing housing challenges within her community.

Over more than 20 years as a resident of Newington, Carmel has consistently gone above and beyond to strengthen tenant voice, raise awareness of housing issues, and deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for residents. For nearly five years, Carmel has been an active and highly engaged member of Newington’s Tenant Forum and was recently appointed Chair, reflecting the trust and respect she has earned from fellow tenants and housing professionals. In this role, Carmel has played a pivotal part in advocating for tenant rights and ensuring that residents’ concerns are heard and constructively addressed. She champions a collaborative approach, working closely with Newington Housing Association to identify challenges and develop practical, tenant-led solutions that improve homes and services. 

Carmel is helping residents understand their rights and the power of collective action, she has inspired greater confidence and involvement, leading to stronger relationships between tenants and housing professionals and a more transparent decision-making process.

Alongside her Forum role, Carmel serves as Treasurer of the Newington Residents Group, demonstrating strong governance, accountability, and stewardship of community resources. She has helped organise and deliver community initiatives such as fundays, street clean-ups, and local improvement projects. These activities not only address practical environmental issues but also foster pride, connection, and a shared sense of ownership among tenants, strengthening the social fabric of the community.

Carmel’s advocacy is deeply rooted in her values and life experience. Inspired by strong women in her family, she is driven by a desire to work hard and support her community in any way she can. Her innovative approach to community engagement is further reflected in her promotion of arts, crafts, gardening, wellbeing workshops, DIY classes, and stress management sessions.

These initiatives address wider social issues such as isolation and wellbeing, demonstrating Carmel’s holistic understanding of housing challenges and her belief that strong communities are built through connection as well as secure homes. In September, Carmel reached a significant milestone when she was elected to the Board of Newington Housing Association. This achievement ensures that tenant perspectives are represented at the highest strategic level, delivering long-term benefits through more inclusive governance and policies grounded in lived experience.

Her participation in sector-wide events, including speaking on tenant voice at the NIFHA Annual Conference and contributing to participatory budgeting and strategic planning through Supporting Communities, further highlights her influence and leadership. In every role she undertakes, Carmel Grant exemplifies exceptional tenant advocacy. She raises awareness through action and dialogue, inspires others by leading through example, and creates lasting positive impact through sustained commitment. Carmel is not only an exceptional tenant but a true catalyst for change and a wholly deserving recipient of this award. 

Outcomes and achievements

Carmel Grant has delivered clear, measurable outcomes that have strengthened tenant voice, improved community wellbeing, and influenced housing practice at both local and strategic levels. As Chair of Newington’s Tenant Forum, Carmel has successfully raised awareness of housing issues by creating an inclusive, trusted platform where tenants feel confident to speak up, understand their rights, and work collectively with Newington Housing Association to resolve challenges. This has led to stronger tenant engagement, improved communication, and more transparent, collaborative decision-making. Her role as Treasurer of the Residents Group, Carmel has ensured community funding is managed effectively, supporting initiatives such as fundays, street clean-ups, and environmental improvements. These activities have delivered visible improvements to shared spaces while fostering pride, connection, and resident ownership. Carmel’s innovative, wellbeing-focused initiatives including arts and crafts, DIY, and stress management workshops have reduced isolation, built skills, and strengthened social connections. Her election to the Board of Newington Housing Association represents a significant achievement for tenant advocacy, embedding lived experience in strategic decisions and delivering long-term benefits through inclusive governance. By speaking at the NIFHA Annual Conference and contributing to participatory budgeting and strategic planning, Carmel has inspired tenants and housing professionals alike, demonstrating the lasting positive impact.