Berwickshire Housing Association’s Tenant Volunteers are proud to be celebrating their 10th birthday this week and throughout the forthcoming year.
In May 2008 a group of BHA tenants came together to form what was called the ‘Tenant Panel’, giving their time voluntarily to promote the tenant’s voice and opinion to the housing association.
Over the years they have seen many changes, not only in name but in also in members and Chairs of the group, all of whom have played a part in making it into what it is today.
A core group of enthusiastic tenants are actively involved in working alongside BHA in key areas such as policies and procedures and also help by supporting community events.
In 2014 the group took over the administration of the Grant Funding Budget which supports local community charities and events. Since 2014 to the beginning of 2018 they have awarded £15,980 to various organisations and charities throughout Berwickshire.
This year is set to be a busy time for the group as they plan a year of celebration and promotion. On Monday (May 28) BHA staff joined group members for a celebratory buffet lunch when there were some surprise presentations to the members and past chairs Bob Bolton and Nigel Seaward.
Current group Chair George Pickering, who was also presented with a certificate, said:
“I am proud to say that I have been Chair of the Tenant Volunteers for the past five years, and honoured to be here in this their 10th anniversary year.
We are a small but passionate group of volunteers who continue to work to express the views of BHA tenants and are always looking for interested tenants to come forward and be part of the group.”
Kimberley Hoddinott, Tenant Communication Officer at BHA added:
“I have worked alongside the Volunteers since they first met and I am proud that they have achieved this milestone.
Acting as critical friends of the Association they have a great respect for BHA, its staff and the work they do and in return staff at BHA appreciate the commitment and time they give up freely to be a part of the Tenant Volunteers. It’s a great achievement to celebrate 10 years!”
Anyone interested in joining the Tenant Volunteers should call the Tenant Communications Officer on 01361 884000 for further information or email contact@tenantvolunteers.org.uk.