Housing association “crowns” Good Neighbours

WARRINGTON Housing Association “crowned” two Good Neighbours at its annual conference.
Helen Broderick, of Guildford Close, and Bernard Whitley, of Lowry Close, were each given their titles and a cheque for £50 after being nominated for all the help they give fellow residents.
Helen, who has a daughter and three grandchildren, said: “I help by taking neighbours out on a Saturday night, when they are ill, making phone calls, having a brew and checking everyone is OK. I am very overwhelmed to have been crowned as a good neighbour. It is just in my nature to help after working at Warrington Hospitall for 30 years.”
Bernard, who is married to Margaret and has two children and four grandchildren, added: “It is such a privilege – you just do it! I help with DIY and taking people out and every year in our building we put on a Christmas party for about 40 people. I think we will go for a nice meal with the prize money.”
More than 50 residents attended the free annual conference at The Gateway, Sankey Street, in Warrington town centre – where families enjoyed lunch and refreshments and were able to join in with games and activities including face painting, and arts and crafts, alongside a free treasure hunt – with the top prize of a new Samsung tablet computer.
Warrington Housing Association (WHA) staff were on hand to talk to residents including its Whia team – who provide services including repairs and adaptions to homes, and the LifeTime team – which helps people over the age of 50 join in with more than 60 activities and events each week. .
Money advice workshops were also held, and information was given on how to become a WHA volunteer, as well as demonstrations on the newly rebranded website.
Other organisations joined in with the day including Warrington Voluntary Action, Alzheimer’s Society and United Utilities.
Community development officer Beth Blenkinship said: “The conference is a great opportunity to gain residents’ views and opinions to help shape the way we do our work.
“It was great to see more of our families and younger residents at the conference this year – and we hope to continue to build on the strong relationships we have. I would like to thank all the residents for making it such a great day.”