Gaynor Southerton has been a popular member of her community for some time, involving herself in improving and inspiring those around her, not only for her neighbours, but for residents across the city.
Involved from the moment she moved into her PCH home she immediately joined strategic as well as local consultations to help shape the future of PCH, having a real and tangible far-reaching influence on housing in Plymouth.
Having stayed involved through various groups and activities over the years, Gaynor became a resident co-optee with our Customer Focus Committee who are responsible for making sure PCH provides excellent customer services to all of our residents.
Gaynor fully supports the Together with Tenants Charter – a national project led by the National Housing Federation which gives residents a stronger voice and helps hold their landlord to account – using her voice to be a part of our Resident Scrutiny reviews – to review the decisions and policies that affect the quality of our homes and services.
On a local level, Gaynor, with the support of her fellow residents, organises trips, clubs and activities for her community at the Housing with Support scheme she lives in at Weston Mill.
From social evenings to the upcoming (3rd) mystery lunch for residents is just an example of the fun and exciting activities Gaynor helps to organise.
For her efforts, Gaynor has been awarded a Tenant Volunteer Recognition Certificate from TPAS, national Tenant Engagement Experts. TPAS promote, support and champion tenant involvement and empowerment in social housing across England.
Gaynor was nominated for the award by Tania Cuxton from PCH’s Communities Team who said: “Gaynor’s enthusiasm and drive to include everyone in her community are instrumental in the success of her local group of volunteers. She puts together a newsletter that goes to everyone who lives at the scheme. They help to arrange outings, competitions, bingo nights – the list is endless.
“Gaynor spent her own time training to use graphics software to make sure the newsletter was designed to look as good as possible. There is not stopping her and she is very deserving of this award. Gaynor is a wonderful example of what can be done with determination and spirit and is an asset to her community.”
