Three tenants at Springboard, part of Genesis Housing Group, have been shortlisted for the 2007/08 Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) 'Connecting People' awards in the London and South East region.

Brenda Jorgensen has been shortlisted in the Tenant of the Year category. Despite her own physical and learning disabilities, Brenda has been a wonderful neighbour and friend to several other customers at Catherine Lodge, Southend. She has been shopping and paying rent for one customer, calling another every day to see how they are and supported them through a major health trauma. Brenda also spends an hour each evening with another who has anxiety issues and problems interacting socially. It is Brenda's friendly and encouraging attitude that has helped many people through difficult times.

Julie Preston, who has also been shortlisted in the Tenant of the Year category, has been her husband's main carer since moving into Whitfield Court, Redbridge, in 2005. Albert is totally dependant on her 24 hours a day. Although Julie has a busy schedule which includes family and friends, she supports other customers who need help with shopping, appointments and even a hot meal. She also finds time to help run the social club, providing the scheme with two or more events a week.

Eve Bilby has been shortlisted in the Tenant Liaison Officer of the Year (Landlord) category. Throughout a disruptive period at Catherine Lodge, where Eve works as a support worker, she has displayed great patience, tolerance and understanding. Eve's strength of character has helped to build a fantastic community spirit among residents and she has never allowed setbacks to affect the level of service residents have come to expect.

Julie Preston said: 'I was so surprised and honoured that the staff nominated me for this award - but to actually be shortlisted is a complete shock! It's also wonderful that Whitfield Court is receiving such recognition for all the good work everyone does in involving residents.'

Brenda, Julie and Eve will attend the awards ceremony at the Russell Hotel in London on 13 March, where the winners will be announced.

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For further information about Genesis Housing Group, please contact Diana Evans on 020 8150 4178 / email diana.evans@ghg.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) 'Connecting People' awards reward tenants and people that work with tenants throughout England. Each award winner from the five regions will go forward to a grand final at the TPAS 20th anniversary conference in August 2008, where the overall winners will be announced. The awards encourage tenants, landlords and contractors to join together at the awards evening.

The four categories are: tenant of the year, tenant liaison officer of the year (landlord), tenant liaison officer of the year (contractor), green project/initiative in the community.

Genesis Housing Group provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations. It also has a charitable foundation, Genesis Community, and is one of the largest and most successful housing groups in the UK. Genesis Housing Group owns and/or manages more than 40,000 homes across London and the south east. Its overiding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.

Springboard is the newest member of the Genesis family. It joined Genesis Housing Group in April 2005 and currently supports more than 5,000 households in 24 local authority areas across London, Essex and Hertfordshire. In addition to general needs housing, shared ownership and leasehold properties, Springboard specialises in supported housing for the elderly and people with special needs.