Sheffield’s Community Champions Celebrated at Paul Key Awards

Sheffield Homes has presented a series of special awards recognising people in the community that go the extra mile to help others. The awards where were launched in October 2007, in memory of a former employee and have attracted over 100 entries.

 

Paul Key, worked for Sheffield Homes for a number of years based initially in an area housing office and then in the Community Engagement team. Paul unfortunately died suddenly in 2006 aged only 36. He was dedicated to working with Tenants and Resident Associations (TARAs) and was also very active within his community and was a member of the Board of Governors of a local school.

 

The Awards are split into 3 categories which cover a range of community work:

Community Champion Outstanding Resident award - To acknowledge an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their community.

Community Champion Group award - To acknowledge where a group of people have worked together to make a significant contribution to a community.

Young Community Champion award - To acknowledge where a young person under 18 years old has made an outstanding contribution to their community.

 

The Community Champion Outstanding Resident Award went to Julie Owen for her work in setting up an informal community group for elderly residents. The Community Champion Group award went to the Middlewood winners for their support during the flood recovery at Winn Gardens and the Young Community Champion Award went to Amber and Liam Webster for their support and encouragement to get other young people involved in events at Cookson Park. The standard of nominations was incredibly high and selecting these winners was no easy task for the judges.

 

All winners from the ceremony have received a special Community Champions glass trophy to take home and £100 worth of Meadowhall vouchers as a small token in recognition of their fantastic achievements.   

 

Over 100 guests attended the event from across Sheffield's diverse communities, bringing together a mix of people that have who have been involved in positive community work, in memory of a remarkable man, Paul Key.

 

The evening was a huge success and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Jane Darby, from the Middlewood Winners said: "It was a fantastic evening and a great opportunity to get together with many community champions. I was so pleased to see that the time, commitment and hard work put in by so many warm and wonderful people is recognised and appreciated.

 

There were some inspiring examples of how Sheffield communities have worked together to improve the areas in which they live and enhance the lives of others. The evening ended on an appropriately high note with a filled dance floor and the promise of another get together next year".

 

Peter Morton, Chief Executive, Sheffield Homes added, “Paul Key was a truly remarkable man. I am pleased and proud that we can celebrate his much valued contribution to helping Sheffield’s communities and dedication to supporting Sheffield Homes build stronger relationships with our customers. Sheffield is very lucky to have so many community champions like Paul and these awards will ensure that this work is recognised and celebrated.”

 

The next Paul Key Community Champions Awards scheme will be launched later this year at the Annual Residents Conference. To find out more about Sheffield Homes work in the community and how to access information and support within your area, please call Sheffield Homes Community Engagement team on 0114 273 5566 or email getinvolved@sheffieldhomes.org.uk.