A packed house at the Berlewen Building, Pool gathered for the first ever Coastline Involvement Awards ceremony, recognising customers and projects that have made a real difference to the local community.

Claire Reeves, Coastline’s Neighbourhood Involvement Manager opened the event, welcoming everyone and acknowledging the huge contribution customers have made to improving the environment they live in.

"We were on the look out to find people or projects that should receive recognition for their work in getting involved to make real changes to improving the lives of local people or improving their neighbourhood,” said Claire.

Director of Housing and Support, Louise Beard presented the six awards, praising all customers for working so hard with Coastline to improve services.

 

Said Louise: “These awards clearly demonstrate that we have been successful in finding this year’s involvement brightest stars. Our customers are committed to making a real difference and we want to encourage others to continue to get involved.”

Sue Roberts received the first award of the day for ‘Tenant Learner of the Year’; for going the extra mile to complete training and gain new skills, using them for the benefit of all customers. After many years of study, Sue from Porthleven recently graduated from the Open University and is encouraging others to follow suit, saying you’re never too old to learn.

The award for Community Group Member was presented to Mrs Barbara Eustice of Strawberry Lane, Redruth for the outstanding contribution she has made to her local community.

Next it was the turn of a group of people – The Illogan Parish Christmas Lights Committee – to scoop the Community Project of the Year trophy. Through tireless fundraising and organisation, the Committee laid on a spectacular Christmas lights switch on and festive procession for the village.

It was a dream come true for more than 30 young people when the winner of the Young People’s Project award was announced. Dreamscheme, a community youth development programme run jointly by Coastline Housing, Sanctuary Housing and Penwith Housing Association took the top prize for their project in Pengegon. Young people took part in tasks such as picking up litter, helping with a fun day and planting flower tubs for residents.

Claire Arymar, employed by Cornwall Council as Pengegon Neighbourhood Manager, said: “The young people found it a really positive experience and the wider community were really happy with the benefits.”

There was strong competition for the ‘Good Neighbour of the Year’ award, with seven nominees for the trophy that recognised a neighbour who goes the extra mile to support those around them. David Bolitho of Redruth was the worthy winner in this category.

The pinnacle of the event came with the announcement of the winner of the award for an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to help shape Coastline services to meet the needs of all customers. Up against a total of nine nominees, Cury resident Mr Kelvin Lightfoot was voted Coastline’s first Involved Tenant of the Year.

Commenting on his success, Mr Lightfoot said: “I am delighted and honoured to be the first to receive this award. I have been involved with Coastline Housing for several years now and believe strongly that if you want to change the environment you live in, you have to stand up, let your voice be heard and get involved.”