Travis Perkins Managed Services (TPMS) are known for their holistic approach to supply chain and procurement solutions. A growing factor in the solution for the affordable housing sector is supporting local projects and initiatives to deliver genuine social value in communities. TPMS achieve this by reinvesting a percentage of profits into their customers communities. Then the real magic happens. The work that social housing landlords, tenants, community groups and volunteers deliver across the country is amazing; and that is what the My Community Awards represent and celebrate.
This year is the fourth time Travis Perkins Managed Services have run the My Community Awards, with the chance to win £5,000 each for five community projects. Last Thursday, around 160 guests gathered at the Park Inn in Northampton for a black tie reception. Presenter of the early Virgin Breakfast show, Sam Pinkham, stayed up late to present the following awards to people and organisations who help make their communities a great place to live:
Community Hero Award (sponsored By Triton)
Micheal Parker
After having to give up his career due to a mental health condition, Michael Parker decided to use his free time to make a positive contribution to his community. His efforts have seen him painting bollards and railings, litter picking, weeding and maintaining communal areas. He also runs his own allotment site and community polytunnel which enables people with mobility problems to be able to participate and enjoy gardening. His efforts to keep his area tidy and maintained have helped to reduce the instances of anti-social behaviour and made it a nicer place to live.
Employment and Community Skills Award (sponsored by Geberit)
Thrive
School exclusion increases the likelihood of young people becoming involved in crime and anti-social behaviour, leading to poor qualifications and reduced employment prospects. Thrive is a programme aimed at young people most at risk of exclusion, providing support to stay in education while learning in a way that works for them. Thrive adopts a collaborative approach to working with local partners to offer enable them to offer the expertise and resources required to support these young people.
Community Engagement Award (sponsored by Glen Dimplex)
WNRC Snack Attack Holiday Project.
The Snack Attack Holiday project is a lifeline for families in the local area. Set up by Winshill Neighbourhood Resource Centre, the project aims to combat the social isolation and inactivity that comes with hunger. The project operates throughout the school holidays to provide entertainment and healthy meals for those in need. At the Snack Attack Project, families have the chance to sit down and enjoy a meal together, forming friendships with other families in similar situations so they can go away feeling a little bit more positive about their circumstances.
Building Safer Communities Award (sponsored by Crystal)
St David’s Neighbourhood Partnership
St David’s is an inner city neighbourhood in Exeter with high volumes of hostels, drug recovery flats and accommodation for young offenders. With the need to combat the anti social behaviour associated with the transient nature of the community, the St David’s Neighbourhood Partnership was born. The partnership provides a safety patrol where residents can report suspicious activity, intimidation and threats, supplementing the limited local policing services. Over 1200 households in the area benefit from the enhanced feeling of safety for their families.
Community Health and Wellbeing Award (sponsored by Tembe)
Evelyn Community Store
Food banks are surrounded by a lot of stigma which can deter some from accessing their services. A year ago, the chair of Evelyn Tenants and Residents Association in Deptford, became concerned that their food bank was not reaching enough people so the Evelyn Community Store was born. The store was established as an alternative where members pay £3.50 a week to receive most of the food they would normally get in a weekly shop. The store also provides a place where the residents can go for help and advice and socialise with one another.