Last week residents of Sutton came together to celebrate recognition for community champions and unsung heroes, who go above and beyond to make a real difference in their neighbourhoods.

The Sutton’s Stars Awards was the first of its kind held by Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP). Over the last few weeks SHP has been looking for local heroes, often working quietly and tirelessly for the good of the community and often without recognition.

The event, held at the Salvation Army was also dedicated to celebrate SHP’s 10 year anniversary, with significance on improved housing services in the borough during this time. This has been evidently aided by residents’ commitments to improving their neighbourhoods through various groups and forums, community events and Residents’ Associations.

The SFTRA (Sutton Federation of Tenant and Resident Associations) and the SLA (Sutton Leaseholders Association) were also commended on their 20 years in service. SFTRA has supported tenants, leaseholders and residents associations through many different avenues, giving advice and support to existing Residents’ Associations and encouraging the establishment of new associations in the borough.

As part of the evening, the winners of the Sutton’s Stars competition were announced. Over 50 nominations were submitted for the below categories:

• Community Champion – Someone who has shown themselves to be someone special, who works quietly and tirelessly for the good of the community.

• Good Neighbour – With no fuss or expectation of reward, will go out of their way to help a neighbour, giving support above and beyond what might be expected.

• Residents’ Association of the Year – The outstanding group that does more than expected to support and help all those in the community.

• Service Provider of the Year – Awarded to an external provider who gives best service to residents throughout the year.

• SHP Employee of the Year – Recognition for services to residents above and beyond that normally expected.

Over 100 Tenants, leaseholders, Councillors and The Mayor of Sutton – Councillor Richard Clifton came together to honour achievements of local people who have made a real difference in the Sutton community.

Councillor Richard Clifton, The Mayor of Sutton, said:

“I would personally like to thank all tenants and leaseholders for their committed involvement over the last decade, which has helped to improve housing standards in Sutton. It was overwhelming to see so many residents in attendance and a privilege to witness those receiving recognition for bringing positivity and lasting impact to the borough.“

The Judging Panel consisted of SHP’s CEO, Andrew Taylor, Dawn Eustace (Head of Tenancy Sustainment and Income at SHP), Councillor Jayne McCoy, SHP Board Member Gary Miles and SHP resident and SFTRA member Terry Haswell.

Among the winners was Sheila Young, who won the “Community Champion” Category. Sheila was selected for this award as she is quietly supportive and actively involved with older people’s services such as organising events and initiatives within her sheltered housing scheme, which has helped reduce social exclusion and loneliness in many of her neighbours’ lives.

Jill Eldridge and Malcolm and Mandy Carter were joint winners for the “Good Neighbour” category. Jill received six separate nominations for her constant support to her neighbours. Mandy and Malcolm have helped create gardens from overgrown bushes and have made a big difference in making their estate feel like a community.

Shanklin Residents’ Association picked up the “Residents’ Association of the Year” award, which recognised the group’s work, which has benefitted tenants and leaseholders on the estate, aiming to resolve local issues to benefit the wider community.

The “Service Provider of the Year” category was awarded to Smith & Byford, who have shown high standards of service and are always on hand to help with community events and safety awareness activities. Smith & Byford have selected to donate their prize money to the Carl Burrows Trust.

Caretaker Patrik O’Riley and winner of “SHP Employee of the year” received three nominations. Patrik was commended for going out of his way to help residents and staff and being a hardworking, cheerful asset to SHP.

Each award for those selected as the Highly Commended and overall Winner received a certificate and High Street shopping vouchers, presented by Joanne Cambra (Executive Director of Neighbourhoods) and Councillor Jayne McCoy (lead Councillor for housing in Sutton and Chair of the Housing, Economy & Business Committee).

Councillor Jayne McCoy, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee at Sutton Council, said:

“It has been rewarding to be involved in the Sutton’s Stars Awards and recognising the people who make a real difference to the lives of others in our borough. Hearing how so many local residents go above and beyond shows what a strong sense of community there is in Sutton. I hope Sutton’s Stars Awards become an annual occasion so we can continue to honour our local heroes.”

The Sutton’s Stars also recognised a Highly Commended award in each category. The runners up are:

• Community Champion – Highly Commended – Arrieanne Bolt

• Good Neighbour – Highly Commended – Devina Ballantyne

• Residents’ Association of the Year – Highly Commended – Clockhouse Residents’ Association

• SHP Employee of the Year – Highly Commended – Annie Moral

Andrew Taylor, Chief Executive of SHP, said:

“We were really pleased to hold this event, which has celebrated significant anniversaries. In 2006, our services looked very different, often underperforming. In the last 10 years we have placed a huge importance on working to improve across all areas, which wouldn’t have been possible without the involvement of our tenants and leaseholders. We are looking forward to the future and continued progression.”

Notes for Editors

SHP is celebrating 10 years as an ALMO (Arms Length Management Organisation).

SFTRA (Sutton Federation of Tenant and Resident Associations) and the SLA (Sutton Leaseholders Association) are also celebrating 20 years in service.

The event focussed on the improvement to housing standards over the last 10 years, which has been helped through tenants and leaseholders involvement in services. This includes (but is not limited to) the following groups: Residents’ Associations, Repair and Quality Inspectors; Procurement; Estate Walkabouts, Residents’ Reading Panel, Shaping Housing Together Panel and various Forums.

The Sutton’s Stars Awards was organised and hosted by SHP in the evening of Thursday 6th October 2016 at the Sutton Salvation Army.

Over 100 tenants, leaseholders, Councillors, The Mayor of Sutton, Contractors and SHP staff were in attendance.

The five award categories were: Community Champion; Good Neighbour; Residents’ Association of the Year; Service Provider of the Year; SHP Employee of the Year.

There was a Highly Commended and Winner in each category, except for the “Good Neighbour” category, which awarded 2 winners and there was no Highly Commended in the “Service Provider of the Year” category.

For more information contact Philippa Somerset 020 8915 2364 or email

SHP manage nearly 8,000 tenanted and leasehold homes for the London Borough of Sutton providing a wide range of housing and management services for residents, including day to day repairs, major works projects, cleaning and grounds maintenance, management of sheltered housing and supporting community development.

Follow SHP on twitter at @SHP_Sutton and like SHP on Facebook at /SuttonHousingPartnership.