A WOMAN who has helped fellow Bromsgrove tenants despite battling fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome has been nominated for a 2020 Housing Hero Award.
Edwina Evans has been in her Bromsgrove District Housing Trust property for the past 27 years and during that time has held a number of positions with BDHT’s shadow board and board of directors, including vice chairperson.
She was also chair of thee residents’ scrutiny panel and has worked with a number of smaller focus groups dedicating to improving tenants’ experiences in specific areas.
Edwina was also a member of the selection committee which selected the trust’s first chairman when it became independent of council control in 2004.
Because of her condition Edwina, who has been nominated for the Tenant Lifetime Contribution Award, has to balance out her commitments and energy levels so she can attend meetings and make a difference to the community she loves.
She continues to be a balanced, but passionate, voice which focuses on the best interests of tenants, particularly those with disabilities.
BDHT chief executive Mark Robertson, who has known Edwina for more than 15 years, said he had seen first-hand her willingness to give up her own time for the benefit of Bromsgrove residents,
“Whether in her capacity as a local authority advisor, board member or resident scrutiny member, Edwina has always acted with a clear and passionate aim which is that all tenants deserve a consistently excellent service from their landlord.”
He added her health conditions had not deterred her from championing the importance of tenants being recognised as individuals with specific circumstances.
“Edwina stepped down from her position as chair at bdht this month and, whilst she will be sorely missed, she has ensured other tenants are ready to take up her mantle in order to keep customer satisfaction at the top of the BDHT agenda.”
The Housing Heroes Awards recognises teams and individuals whose work improves people’s lives.
Due to Covid-19, this year’s awards will be a virtual experience on September 10.
Visit bdht.co.uk for more on the trust.
