Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing resident, Sandie Gough, has been shortlisted from over 300 nominations for the first Housing Heroes Awards which is being organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing and Inside Housing.

This new awards scheme aims to ensure those 'unsung heroes' of the housing world are recognised and rewarded for their contribution to the housing sector. There are 14 trophies up for grabs, recognising everyone from the best HR, customer services and finance team to the inspirational board member and the top chief executive. Sandie is shortlisted for the Inspirational tenant of the year award.

Sandie was nominated by CNH for her work over for the past 10 years which has inspired, engaged and empowered the tenants of Charnwood, promoting and leading on resident involvement and community development activities from play areas to community safety road shows.

In 2000, she formed and chaired Charnwood’s first Tenants and Residents Association, then in 2001 the first Tenants Federation. More recently, Sandie is the Project Manager for the hugely successful YouthZone, a Police partnered project looking to engage the hard to reach youth on the Ashby Road estate in Loughborough. Sandie has persuaded local residents of the long term benefits of the project and continues to work with them. Teaching the most excluded kids aged 6 – 17 about community responsibility and focusing their energies on constructive and positive group activities. Using an endless supply of contacts and calling in many favours Sandie has established a Drop In for teenagers and Dancing Clubs, Arts and Activity based projects, Healthy Eating projects and Computer Training skills. Also a Bike project for a group of young kids, many of whom were in the criminal justice system, which involved rebuilding and keeping unclaimed bikes donated by the Police, and the latest project sponsored by CNH, a brand new Musical to be performed in May by children and young people who attend Youth Zone.

The awards will be presented at a lunchtime awards ceremony in London’s Hilton Hotel on 10 June 2009. The event will be attended by housing industry figureheads – including representatives of the main trade and professional bodies, Government ministers and leading experts from across the housing sector.

CNH Board Chair, Zoe Wortley said ‘We are very proud of Sandie. She is shining example of someone who is motivated and involved in their local community and wants to make a difference. We wish her luck for 10 June.’

Further information about the awards can be found at www.insidehousing.co.uk

For more information about the Youth Zone Project, please contact Sandie at youthzone@ntlworld.com or 07749 347338

ENDS