Celebrating Community Champions
The National Federation of ALMOs Photography Exhibition 2018
Celebrating Community Champions
WelcomeI am pleased to introduce the third NFA photography competition, which this year
celebrates our community champions – ALMO tenants and residents who proudly
support and speak on behalf of those living in our communities.
I regularly hear stories from our ALMOs about those tenants who show a passion for making
positive changes; changes which benefit those living in social housing and surrounding
neighbourhoods. Following the Grenfell Fire tragedy, the importance of ensuring tenants
are involved in all aspects of housing management is more critical than ever.
We have tenants who actively work in communities to review housing services and help to
ensure tenants and their families live in homes and neighbourhoods that they can be proud
of. Others volunteer to provide community services; supporting everything from food
banks, support groups, clean-up days and social events in direct response to the needs of
those living locally. Our community champions also run groups that help tackle isolation
or support healthier living, and we have some great examples of these in our exhibition
this year.
These groups gather feedback from people living in social housing and in surrounding
neighbourhoods daily. Its is key for us to listen to what they have to say and act on and
resolve issues as they emerge.
As the trade body for ALMOs, our members manage just under 450,000 social homes across
England. It continues to be a priority for the National Federation of ALMOs to promote
positive images of our tenants and challenge the negative perceptions of social housing
seen all too often in the media. Our annual photography competition celebrates some of
the many life changing contributions tenants make.
I hope you enjoy the photographs and stories showcased in this book and exhibition. This
year the winner of this competition will be decided by attendees at our annual conference
and I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing which you choose.
Hugh Broadbent
Chair, National Federation of ALMOs
– 4 –
Editor: Joanne Kent-Smith
Design: Jeremy Spencer
Published by the National Federation of ALMOs
May 2018
National Federation of ALMOs
HouseMark, 4 Riley Court, Milburn Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7HP
Telephone: 02476 472729
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @nfa_almos
This brochure was kindly produced by Resource
Photograph index
Alison Adam Eastbourne Homes page 6
Brian Morris Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing 8
Dalton Stephens Nottingham City Homes 10
Kate Walker Six Town Housing 12
Leigh Evelyn Northampton Partnership Homes 14
Lucinda Browne Nottingham City Homes 16
Lou Knight Poole Housing Partnership 18
Marlene Lambeth Wolverhampton Homes 20
Mick Vernon Derby Homes 22
Sarah Hardy Stockport Homes 24
Alison Adam is a true unsung hero, working behind the scenes since 2007 as a
‘puppy parent’ for Sussex based charity Canine Partners.
Canine Partners provides assistance dogs to help transform the lives of people with
physical disabilities. The dogs allow their partners to enjoy a greater independence
and quality of life. Volunteers for the organisation, such as Alison, act as parents to
the puppies in the first stages of the dogs’ lives, caring for and training them up to
16 months old.
Alison said:
“I had just moved back to Eastbourne and did not have a dog. I saw a Canine
Partners flyer about being a puppy parent, and thought it was a worthwhile thing
to do, and help others as a bonus. I got my first puppy a couple of months later.”
Alison added:
“During training, the puppies are matched with a partner and I see the puppies
again at their graduation celebrations. During the ceremony, the dog’s partner talks
about how the dog has changed their life. I feel a very big reward when I see how
the love of a puppy has so changed someone’s life for the better. This is how I can
give up the dog, and why I enjoy training them.”
Image captured by Andrew McDuffie, Eastbourne Homes
Eastbourne Homes
– 6 –
Alison Adam
– 8 –
Mr Morris has been an active tenant for many years now, and in the past 6 years
he has taken on a significant role within his neighbourhood. As a keen DIYer he
took on a mission to improve the look of his community paying particular
attention to the garage sites.
He began by painting the garages doors so they looked brighter and more
attractive on the street, he then moved onto adding flower boxes above each
garage. He has also begun adding more flower beds and baskets to the street so
everyone can see them when they look out their windows.
Mr Morris wanted to create a lovely and striking place for not only himself and
his family but his neighbours as well. With his positive actions he has achieved this
and created a street which has won Bridgnorth Bloom and taken second prize in
Shropshire Bloom.
Neighbours often comment on the difference Mr Morris has made in their
neighbourhood and they are proud of their street thanks to him. Mr Morris is a
passionate and enthusiastic gardener, who has made such a positive impact on his
community, and year after year ensures the street looks better than ever. He is
always happy to give out gardening tips if asked and encourages people to visit
his beautiful garden and street with such pride.
Image captured by Shropshire Town and Rural Housing
Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing
Brian Morris
– 10 –
Dalton has lived in St Ann’s in Nottingham since he was a child. He’s well-known
in the area; some might say notorious. Dalton’s had a difficult past and hasn’t
always made the right choices, but in recent years he’s turned his life around. He
now uses his profile for good, helping young people to widen their horizons by
sharing his negative past and holding it up as an example of the road to avoid.
He’s slowly becoming a role model in his neighbourhood, particularly for
teenagers who are going through difficulties of their own, and is able to give first-
hand guidance and advice, hard-won from his own experiences.
He first began working with Nottingham City Homes (NCH) when he volunteered
to support a multi-sports session for young people on a local park. NCH was
struggling to attract young people to the sessions - that was, until Dalton got
involved. Once Dalton started showing up, local kids and teenagers had more faith,
and soon the sessions were so popular that additional sessions were needed.
Dalton became a ‘formal’ volunteer, undertook training and is now a fully
qualified sports coach, passing his qualifications with flying colours. Dalton’s
commitment and determination have seen him turn his life around completely.
He’s recently set up a young person’s forum, and a podcast to help young people
to have a voice and to share their passions, ambitions and fears, particularly
important following a recent surge in knife crime in the area.
Dalton's passion, commitment and determination are not only changing his own
life, it’s changing the lives of young people who look up to him and now seek his
guidance and support. He’s relatable, he’s charismatic, and best of all, he’s used the
strong connections he has to his community to make a difference.
Image captured by Mark Hitchings, Stag Communications
Nottingham City Homes
Dalton Stephens
– 12 –
Kate set up a monthly drop-in community café in memory of her late husband. As
his carer, Kate often felt isolated and did not know who to talk to about his illness
and the loneliness she felt. After his death, she knew she needed to do something
to help others in the community in a similar situation.
Kate’s “Talk To Me Cafe” was launched in May 2017 in the communal area of Clarks
Hill Retirement Living Scheme, which is located in Prestwich town centre. Kate
aims to connect people who are isolated or facing illness, and their carers, with
other like-minded people in the community. As well as refreshments, Kate provides
monthly quizzes and games to help people talk to others from their area that they
may never have met before.
Kate initially approached Six Town Housing for support and went on make a
successful bid to Ambition for Ageing for funding to help run the café. The
funding means that none of the attendees need to pay for cakes and
refreshments, helping it be even more inclusive for people in the community. In
recent months, Kate has invited members of Greater Manchester Police to attend
each session to talk with attendees about any concerns around crime or Anti-
Social Behaviour they may want to report, and help promote community safety.
Image captured by Clive Lawrence, professional photographer
Six Town Housing
Kate Walker
– 14 –
Leigh has been dancing for 18 years and is part of a worldwide hip-hop
community. He travels the world performing on stage for hip-hop freestyle events.
He is also a tutor and mentor in Northampton and inspires people of all ages to
take up break dancing.
Leigh grew up on a housing estate in Kings Heath in Northampton. He was
diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder growing up and was often
getting into trouble. Discovering break dancing gave him focus and a way to
channel his energy into positivity.
Leigh runs a weekly break dancing workshop at Market Street Community Hub. His
classes are informal and fun, aimed at giving his students a voice and expressing
themselves through break dance. Five years ago Leigh set up a charitable
organisation called “Old to tha new Productions”. The organisation works with
young people, schools, councillors and local community groups across
Northamptonshire to show the positive influence of hip-hop in the community. He
also runs an annual competition through local schools to give young people the
chance to perform on stage and express themselves through dance.
His work in the community led him to win the “Best Newcomer Award” in the
Northants Community Foundation Awards 2017. Leigh wants to give back to his
community as much as he can. He plans to open a dance studio in Northampton
and provide free dance classes for children from families on lower incomes.
Image captured by Alex Simmons, Northampton Partnership Homes
Northampton Partnership Homes
Leigh Evelyn, aka Bboy Swifty
– 16 –
Lucinda joined our Fit in the Community programme as a volunteer fitness
instructor about two years ago. A young single parent from a deprived inner city
area, Lucinda had ambitions for a career in fitness and saw Fit in the Community
as a great opportunity to develop her skills as an instructor. Lucinda gained her
fitness qualification and started to volunteer at her local school, running classes
to help local people get more physically active.
Fast forward two years and Lucinda has gone on to set up her own zumba classes
each week, and the group now travels around the city to promote healthy living
and demonstrate classes themselves. They’ve volunteered at a number of events
helping to change lives for the better. The group makes a huge contribution to
local people and are dedicated to helping the whole community to get fit and
have fun at the same time.
Lucinda’s passion for what she does and for her local area is infectious. She really
cares about what she does, and has used her unique skillset to make a difference
– she describes her proudest moment as the time when a woman from her class
told her that she had changed her life.
Image captured by Stephen McLaughlin, Red Snapper Imaging
Nottingham City Homes
Lucinda Browne
– 18 –
Lou cares passionately about his community, he was a councillor for 12 years and
also served a term of office as Mayor of Poole. His boundless energy, enthusiasm
and inspiration stems from a desire to improve life for those around him.
In 1995 Lou moved to Turlin Moor and felt that it had unfairly gained a negative
reputation over the years. He wanted to help remove the stigma and raise the
area’s profile. Lou strongly believes installing self-esteem at an early age will not
only help young people respect where they live, but also create a positive
environment for all. When Lou became Chairman of Turlin Moor Youth Centre, he
ensured countless opportunities and activities were made available for children to
get involved by making the centre the hub of the whole community. Lou was also
a key instigator in bringing all generations together through the establishment of
the community garden. Lou also runs the Turlin Moor Action Group raising funds
for youth club equipment, the local hospital and people.
Never one for taking credit Lou is more than happy to step back from a project to
allow other people to shine. This is just a sample of the wonderful contributions
he has made over the years. And although it’s the youth centre that’s seen as the
hub of the community, many believe that it’s Lou that brings it all together.
Image captured by Lisa Mirkhandan, Poole Housing Partnership
Poole Housing Partnership
Lou Knight
– 20 –
Marlene is a one-woman dementia awareness and fundraising machine.
Dementia is a personal issue to Marlene, she had two aunts who had dementia and
then her father developed it when he was in his 70s. He lived in warden-controlled
accommodation, but Marlene had to care for him. The experience of her father’s
decline made Marlene want to take action and start getting involved with
dementia awareness work. In her own words she says: “I’m really keen that people
know about dementia and that anyone with dementia gets the care they need.”
Now, she spends her time fundraising for the dementia ward at New Cross Hospital
in Wolverhampton and arranging community awareness days. Marlene arranges
community events with organisations such as Alzheimer’s Society, doctors and
nurses from the dementia ward, Wolverhampton Homes, the Fire Service and the
crime prevention team.
On top of her dementia work, she has been a tenant representative for over 20
years, having held the position of Secretary and Chair of the local tenants’ and
residents’ association. She was the representative on the previous housing
committee and the local police committee and she successfully bid for funding to
improve the homes and the security in her area. In 2018 she arranged an
intergenerational lunch for residents with local school children. There is nothing
Marlene won’t do to make things better for tenants.
Image captured by Carl Murphy, professional photographer Visionary Language
Wolverhampton Homes
Marlene Lambeth
– 22 –
Mick has been involved in his community for a number of years. An active member
of his Neighbourhood Board, Mick works with the local authority, Community
Safety Partnership and police, and an array of voluntary organisations in the city.
On the back of Mick’s success in overseeing the renovations at Bramblebrook
Centre, a community building in need of a complete overhaul, Derby Homes
approached Mick to help support the development of the Aspire Wrestling
Academy at St. Marks Church. The aims of this rather unique project were to use
the sport of wrestling as a platform for supporting individuals who experienced
social exclusion, those at risk of bullying or experiencing mental health issues.
Mick stepped up to the mark and quickly resolved governance issues and steered
the business plan. He has ensured the project retained its community aspirations
and is an asset for the local community.
The impact of Mick’s volunteering is far reaching. He has inspired and developed
volunteers on a personal level. He has transformed the tired St. Marks Church
building into a thriving, bustling and financially self-sufficient centre. Mick’s
passion, drive and ability to motivate others are infectious. He has made it his
mission to ensure he knows the needs of his local community. His leadership is also
evident in the effectiveness and robustness of the committees he has helped lead,
where he has fostered and developed diverse and dynamic groups of people, who
work well together, play to each other’s strengths and really enjoy what they do.
“Mick is organised, friendly and knowledgeable about the people he works with
and the areas he’s volunteering in. Never one to be afraid of a challenge, Mick has
responded well to targets that have put us both under pressure at times. If there
is such a thing as a “heavyweight champion” volunteer, Mick would be one.”
Image captured by Paul Cole, Derby Homes
Derby Homes
Mick Vernon
– 24 –
Sarah Hardy embodies community spirit with her passion for cooking and helping
to inspire others. When she isn’t researching recipes from famous bakers and chefs,
she’s managing a bustling café at the heart of the community. On the surface, it
looks like any normal café. However, Sarah’s dreams and aspirations have seen
her deliver much more to benefit her community. Sarah manages the community
café, recruiting and training volunteers under her guidance. Sarah has developed
the café into a thriving venture, tackling social exclusion for volunteers and
customers. It wasn’t always so simple though. Sarah says:
“It was hard at first, I was asked to come along to the café but I’d lost confidence
from not working. My friend was really persistent so I decided I should give it a
go. I had some volunteers to start with and helped them with getting on courses
like Food Hygiene. I try to give everyone an opportunity because a chance was
taken on me.”
For many, a meal at the café may be the only fresh meal they enjoy each day. With
that in mind, Sarah launched holiday sessions for children, parents and
grandparents to attend together where they could learn to make fresh meals and
‘Let’s get Cooking’ was born. Over 600 volunteering hours and Sarah isn’t slowing
down. She caters for events at the local community centre and the ‘Let’s get
Cooking’ programme continues to grow.
A modest, determined lady, Sarah may never truly appreciate the number of
people she has inspired. She makes time for everyone, innovating to tackle
problems she has identified and her cooking classes have help families eat well for
less. But more importantly, Sarah’s dedication brings people together; a
community focus for someone who defines community champion.
Image captured by Gareth Lowe, professional photographer
Stockport Homes
Sarah Hardy
End note
The National Federation of ALMOs would like to thank all of its members for submitting entries to this year’s
Photography Competition. We have been delighted with the number of strong images and exceptional
stories we received.
We would like to say a big thank you to the team at Resource who sponsored the exhibition and
kindly printed this brochure for us. We would also like to extend our thanks to Media Partner 24Housing who
have given their commitment to helping us promote the individual stories and photographs exhibited this year.
All of the photographs submitted to the competition can be viewed at www.almos.org.uk
Media partner
Sponsored by
NFA – National Federation of ALMOsHouseMark, 4 Riley Court, Milburn Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7HP
@nfa_almos
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.almos.org.uk
Telephone: 02476 472729