First resident recognition awards for Viridian

Viridian Housing resident, Doreen Hill, has spent the past four years uniting communities and helping to improve housing schemes around the country.

Next month she will be recognised for her amazing contribution, at the inaugural residents’ awards ceremony hosted by Viridian.

The Making a Difference awards will be an opportunity to recognise the achievements of groups and individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to making a difference in their community.

Viridian Housing Chief Executive Matthew Fox said Doreen, who was nominated for the Making a Difference award, was an invaluable member of the organisation.

“Doreen has been heavily involved with Viridian for more than five years, as the chair of the Scrutiny Panel, a member of the National Residents’ Forum and as part of the resident auditor’s team,” Matthew said.

“However, she has really made her mark by promoting social involvement within our retirement housing schemes, as well in schemes provided by other housing associations. She is a very deserving candidate and we wish her all the best.”

Doreen, who lives in Birmingham, said she was proud to be nominated, and said it was a joy to watch how far Viridian had come in recent years.

“The organisation really listens to us as residents now,” Doreen said. “The National Residents’ Forum has been such a great asset to Viridian, and has really allowed residents to have a hand in the way services are delivered.”

Doreen said the highlight had been encouraging people from all walks of life to get involved in their community.

“At first I travelled around to the Viridian schemes, and also to other schemes with the Housing Managers to organise events and talk to residents,” she said. “But they have now started to hold their own events, which is wonderful to see. I am just doing a job I really enjoy doing, so it makes it easy and it’s very rewarding.”

The other award nomination categories include Taking a Stand, Young Person of the Year, Community Project of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Viridian, and Resident of the Year.

A special luncheon will be held in London on Wednesday, 18 January, to announce the winners and present the awards.