Pictured is Andrea Harrison, Jill England & Kathleen Maguire

Tenants from Glen Fold, Newcastle have been recognised in Fold Housing Association’s annual Scheme Awards which were presented as part of the Associations’ Tenant Forum held in Armagh recently.  Over 500 residents gathered for the Wellbeing themed event, one of three, being held across Northern Ireland.  Participants heard guest speakers from Fold’s Corporate Charity, the Alzheimer’s Society and enjoyed entertainment provided by comedy actress, Patricia Gormely.
The winners of Fold’s Scheme Awards were announced with Glen Fold scooping two of the top Awards for Working Together which recognised the Scheme’s links with Shimna College in the town and Living Well for their weekly exercise classes, specifically designed to meet the needs of older people living in the Scheme.
 
John McLean, Fold’s Chief Executive said, “Fold’s Scheme Awards provide us with the opportunity to recognise the individual, teams and activities that take place in all our schemes throughout the year, from fundraising to gardening, volunteering to the best outing and good neighbours, they are all about the people and causes that matter to our tenants and make a positive contribution to community life.  Judging is very difficult due to the high standard of entries from Schemes across the country.  We congratulate the winners, runners up and highly commended awardees.”

Addressing the packed audience at the Forum Mr McLean spoke about future developments at Fold.  He added, “We are pleased that the installation of PV solar panels in 90 sheltered and supported housing schemes, where renewable generation is proven to be viable, is well under way.   This means that all tenants will benefit from the pooled savings on energy costs as we seek to reduce fuel poverty and Fold’s carbon footprint.

He concluded, “We are delighted with the very positive tenant view on our rent being good value  and with the continued support for our Tenant Engagement Programme. Tenant panels are providing valuable feedback which is having a real and positive impact how we can enhance our service offering.”

The annual forum and scheme awards event concluded with lunch and a chance to relax and have a good chat and catch up with Fold residents and staff from across Northern Ireland.

Awards presented on the day included:

Best Kept Garden – Bronte Fold, Rathfriland
Good Neighbour – Martin Kirk, Hillbank Fold, Omagh
Community Pride – Christine Quinn, Hillbank Fold, Omagh
Working Together – Glen Fold, Newcastle & Shimna Integrated College
Living Well – Exercise & Craft Class, Glen Fold, Newcastle