Housing awards for local heroes

Sovereign Housing Association’s Community Awards recognise the positive impact that individuals, charities and community groups have on Sovereign residents.
Three local people and organisations were among the 19 recipients across the area covered by the housing association.
The founder of Flag DV, Helen Grimbleby, received an award for the work that her Newbury-based charity, which helps victims of domestic violence, carries out in the area – around 22 per cent of its clients are Sovereign residents.
Mrs Grimbleby said: “It is really nice to come and see and hear about everyone else’s achievements too.
“It’s early days for Flag DV, so to be given this recognition is really fantastic.”
Also receiving an award was the founder of Heartstart Thatcham, Dr Nick Young.
The charity runs free first-aid classes and is campaigning to have defibrillators located across West Berkshire to help save more lives.
Dr Young said: “The work we do makes a big difference in the community. The training gives them more confidence to put the skills they have into practice and ultimately save lives.
“It is hard work as we are completely self-funded, but this award makes it all worthwhile.
“It will hopefully show that, although Heartstart Thatcham is just a year old, we are worth the investment.”
And a Thatcham woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, was the only resident in her area to provide evidence in a serious case involving drug dealing and anti-social behaviour by a neighbour.
The winners received their awards from Sovereign’s chief executive, Ann Santry, and the chairman of Sovereign’s residents’ council, Simon Byng.
Mrs Santry said: “As an organisation, we aim to work with residents and local groups to build strong communities and change lives.
“It’s been fantastic, therefore, to recognise a host of people from across our regions this evening who have made a real difference to our residents’ lives – their achievements were inspirational.”