Published on 7th December 2012

The search is on to find Cheltenham’s community heroes. Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH) is calling on people to nominate the ‘unsung heroes’ in their community for a CBH Award 2012.

Now in its fifth year, CBH created the awards to recognise individuals and groups in the neighbourhoods they manage, for their personal successes and sterling community work.

CBH is urging the local community to reward their fellow neighbours for their achievements in 2012 by nominating them in the following 8 award categories:

Tenant of the Year: Someone who has gone above and beyond this year, supported local residents, has motivated others, set up new projects/groups/ideas, fundraised, or motivated a CBH resident.

Young Tenant of the Year: A young person who is under 25 and has already had an outstanding personal achievement, or has contributed to their community, and would be a role model for others.

Community Safety: Has someone you know made a stand against crime and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood that has affected your life? This award celebrates those who have, by volunteering, or by their actions, made your community a safer place to live.

Green Achiever: Could be that green fingered neighbour who has made an effort to improve the surrounding areas, by making a wildlife area, or maintaining a community allotment, or having an outstanding garden. Or they could be the one that encourages others to recycle, save energy, or keeps the area litter free.

Commitment and Determination Award: Over the last 12 months this person has improved their life, by training, or self development and motivation. They have achieved personal goals, or helped others to develop theirs.

Community Award: Without them it would not happen – This resident will have worked with CBH /Police/community groups/neighbours to improve the community in which they live.

Embracing Technology Award: We want you to tell us about someone who in the last year has gone from a Zero to Hero when it comes to technology i.e. using computers, the internet, photography, inspired others to use technology.

Shaping Services: This is an individual or a group of residents who has improved an area of CBH ’s service delivery. Could be a special project that has been undertaken or an existing resident working group

Paul Stephenson, Chief Executive at CBH said: “One of the highlights of our year, these awards are our chance to recognise and reward some remarkable individuals and groups whose dedication and commitment has improved the lives of those in their community.

“We know that there are many deserving people in the community and we want to encourage everyone to nominate their local heroes and celebrate their achievements.”

Nominations can be submitted by calling 0800 408 0000, option 4, email communityinvolvement@cheltborohomes.org or text 01242 775911. Closing date for nominations is Monday 17 December 2012 .

An award ceremony to crown the community heroes will be held in the New Year.

ENDS

Notes for editors

Cheltenham Borough Homes:

  • CBH is one of the top rated ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisations) in the country. ALMOs are not for profit companies that run social housing services for their local council
  • Currently CBH manage and maintain around 5,000 tenant and leasehold properties with an overall satisfaction level of 85%, placing them in the top ten ALMOs nationally
  • The organisation’s approach to community development and participation; governance and equality and diversity has been recognised as good practice nationally
  • CBH continue to develop excellent services by working closely with customers. It will include building new homes and continuing to regenerate communities whilst tackling issues of worklessness and addressing social enterprise

For further information visit: www.cheltborohomes.org

Press contact: Catherine Best e: catherine.best@cheltborohomes.org t: 01242 775317