Community Champion Awards

Over the last three years, nominations have been received for 36 groups, 59 individuals, and 12 young people! The nominations are growing each year, with a total of 42 this year.

Two RWP tenants won awards in the Individual volunteer category presented by Progress Housing Group Chief Executive Jacqui De-Rose. Sandra from Morley won Highly Commended and Rebecca from Euxton won Bronze.

Sandra (pictured below) is always eager to help others and has been part of many different volunteer organisations over the years such as charity shops, animal charities and the Salvation Army. She gives up her time every week.

“Sandra once told me that she prefers to volunteer rather than get paid,” said Progress Involvement Officer Natalie Waring. “What is more important to Sandra is her health, and doing good things to help others. Well done Sandra for all your amazing work over the years.”

“Thank you for a fabulous night,” said Sandra. “I really enjoyed myself. Can we do it all again next year?”

Sandra’s current placements are at the Thackray Museum of Medicine where she helps customers and looks after the medical leeches! Sandra also works at Morley Town Hall coffee mornings and helps Natalie at the Artlink sessions.

Rebecca (pictured below) won a Bronze award and works hard to support other tenants through attending advocacy groups for her support provider Brothers of Charity. She also volunteers two days a week at a local cafe.

"I do a lot of advocacy work for people with a learning disability," says Rebecca. "I help them with advocacy about relationships and things like that. I've really enjoyed the Awards, it was a great atmosphere and it was nice to meet the other award winners too."

“Rebecca does an incredible job to raise concerns on tenants’ behalf, making sure their needs are met,” says Alan Greig, Progress Involvement Officer. “At home, Rebecca helps out tenants who have a range of support needs, helping them to understand information and supporting them to respond. Her Bronze Award is well deserved!”

Jacqui De-Rose, Chief Executive of Progress Housing Group, presented the awards to the winners and was in awe of everyone’s dedication.

She said: “It is an absolute pleasure to meet and celebrate the excellent work of these volunteers.

“Without them, our communities would not have the help and support that makes the world a better place to live.

“I want to say an enormous thanks to all those who nominated these fantastic individuals and to our panel of judges, who I know had a difficult job picking out the winners.

“And finally, a massive thank you to all those who volunteer and show how much they care about others. You truly deserve to be recognised.”