Two KHT women rewarded for community efforts

Two Knowsley residents have been recognised for their efforts in improving the lives of thousands of people across the borough.

Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) worker Julie Langton along with KHT customer and Board Member Barbara White, led a number of vital community schemes that have helped to inspire youngsters, unite communities, and create jobs for the area.

The pair have been nominated at the national Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) Connecting People Awards, which rewards both tenants and housing staff who work in communities across England.

“It’s great to be nominated,” said Julie, from Kirkby, who is part of KHT’s Customer Involvement Team.

“It shows that the work we are doing with people in the community is having an impact.”

Barbara, from Huyton, heads up KHT’s Tenant Advantage Scheme.

She added: “I didn’t realise how much we were having an effect on the area. It’s very flattering to be nominated.”

Julie has played a major role in boosting community spirit in the Kirkby area, and has used her hands-on approach to more than double the number of resident groups operating in the town.

She has been the driving force behind KHT’s Dream Schemes project, which encourages young people to carry out community projects.

Away from work Julie continues to play an active role in supporting local people. For a number of years she has worked weekends at a local community farm with disabled and non-disabled children.

She said: “We couldn’t do this without the support of KHT. It takes a massive operation and a terrific team to make this possible.

”The work I have been doing is about bringing the whole community together, not just a few neighbourhoods. It’s about bringing different groups of people together from all different backgrounds to create better lives.”

Barbara’s tireless efforts on KHT’s far-reaching Tenant Advantage Scheme have helped to turn the project into one of their most successful initiatives.

She was involved in the creation of the scheme which offers a unique package of support, such as jobs, training and community grants for those most in need.

Barbara’s work has helped to reduce levels of deprivation, raise aspirations and improve wellbeing within Knowsley’s communities. The scheme has also attracted £390,000 of investment to create 60 jobs and a further £600,000 to boost social enterprise.

She said: “The Tenant Advantage Scheme has given a lot of money to projects that normally would not have happened.

“The number of projects that have got of the ground because of our efforts makes me very proud.

“People can see a difference in their communities which proves we are helping.”

Bob Taylor, Chief Executive of KHT, added: “We are very proud of both Julie and Barbara for their efforts in helping make Knowsley a better place to live for our customers.

“The nominations are fully deserved, and we are delighted that the pair have been recognised on a national level.

“This is further evidence of the great work the KHT is doing to improve communities in our area.”