Star residents are worthy winners at community awards

Inspirational residents in Tower Hamlets have been recognised at a community awards ceremony for their dedication to the areas where they live.

The winners of the second annual STAR in the Community Awards were revealed at a celebration in The East Wintergarden, in CanaryWharf, which was hosted by nine housing associations based in the borough.

Among those who were honoured were volunteers who have championed the needs of the young, old and vulnerable by setting up new activities in their neighbourhoods.

The efforts of a young carer who set aside time to promote community fun days were also celebrated and a zumba class organiser received praise.

Poplar and
Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick met winners at the awards evening and said the ceremony was a great way to acknowledge those who had contributed most to their community.

He said: “It’s great that residents’ achievements are being recognised as without the work of these inspirational people the borough would not be the fantastic place it is today.

“The fact that people want to work together shows that there is so much selflessness in Tower Hamlets and that people want to live with their neighbours in harmony.”

Thirteen star trophies were handed out on the night to residents who were crowned winners of categories which including bringing people together, young person of the year and contribution to resident involvement.

Some awards attracted more than 30 nominations and the task of picking winners was down to a panel of independent judges.

The young person of the year award was won by 13 year old Lucy Izzet from Stepney. As well as caring for her mum Sue, who has multiple sclerosis, Lucy has managed to find the time to design posters advertising community events.

She said: “I’ve grown up helping my mum and she has inspired me to support my community. My main drive is seeing other people happy and I particularly enjoy working with younger children.”

Another award winner was Fulma Begum who scooped one of the nine inspirational resident awards.

Fulma set up dance classes in Bethnal Greenas she found there was a lack of provision for women to get together and keep fit.

She said: “I decided to set up a Zumba dance class and managed to get THCH to provide a venue, got a small grant and an instructor. The classes grew through word of mouth and are very popular. I feel intensely privileged to be included ina group of individuals who inspired their communities.”

Other residents who won awards on the night were David Stackable, Nicole Cameron, Maggie Phillips, Kim Hayman, Julian Fordyce, Tressa Bates, Sybil Yates, Olive Bailey, Mamun Rashid, Martin King and Ken Davis.

The STAR in the Community awards was supported by Gateway Housing Association, Newlon Housing Trust, Old Ford Housing Association, One Housing Group, Poplar HARCA, Spitalfields Housing Association, Swan Housing Association, Tower Hamlets Community Housing and Tower Hamlets Homes.

ENDS

Press contacts:

Jo Lambert, Tower Hamlets Homes, email: , tel. 020 7364 7359.

Clare-Marie Dobing, Circle Housing Group, email: ,tel 0845 234 0824.