Apex Housing Association Apex Procurement to lead residential re-development The Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood has announced that the Apex Procurement Group is to lead out the residential element of the redevelopment plan for the for- mer army barracks at Girdwood in North Belfast. The current master plan shows the future provision of 200 units of social and affordable housing. BREAKING NEWS THE CARER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2010 Full coverage of the awards ceremony hosted by Paul Clarke, UTV Live - p8 At a Special General Meeting of North and West Housing on 23 June 2010 the above change of name was voted on and approved by the Association’s members to take effect from 4 October 2010. This had been discussed at a num- ber of previous Board meetings from which there was an increasing view that it was necessary to consid- er changing from North and West Housing, a name which the Association has held since 1993. Previous to that the Association was known as Derry Housing Association from its formation back in 1965. Why change our name? The reasons for considering a name change were: (a) Many members felt that the name reflected the Association’s geographical base in the north west of Northern Ireland and that this was no longer a true representa- tion because: (i) the Association owns and man- ages nearly 400 houses in north, east and west Belfast and had opened a housing office for the Belfast area in 2009. (ii) the Association’s area of opera- tion continues to widen as reflected by its current development pro- gramme with sites being acquired in new locations such as Newry, Downpatrick and Newtownards. (b) It is likely that when the hous- ing market improves again social housing schemes in Northern Ireland will have to be provided as mixed tenure developments simi- lar to established practice in Great Britain. North and West will then enter the ‘building for sale’ market for the first time which is not only highly competitive but also com- mercially risky. Introducing Apex Housing Association CONTINUES PAGE 3 North and West Housing changes name to Apex Housing Association Residents of Beechway House computer course - p5 COMPUTER WIZZ KIDS Issue 4 October 2010 Ray Forbes, Director of Development & Procurement discusses procurement best practice with the Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood. Also present Siobhan Porter - Architect, Majorie Keenan - Chairperson and Gerry Kelly - CEO.
Transcript
Apex Housing Association
Apex Procurementto lead residentialre-development The Minister for SocialDevelopment, Alex Attwood hasannounced that the ApexProcurement Group is to lead outthe residential element of theredevelopment plan for the for-mer army barracks at Girdwood inNorth Belfast.
The current master plan shows thefuture provision of 200 units of socialand affordable housing.
BREAKING NEWS
THE CARER OF THEYEAR AWARD 2010Full coverage of the awards ceremony hosted by Paul Clarke, UTV Live - p8
At a Special General Meeting ofNorth and West Housing on23 June 2010 the above change ofname was voted on and approvedby the Association’s members totake effect from 4 October 2010.
This had been discussed at a num-ber of previous Board meetingsfrom which there was an increasingview that it was necessary to consid-er changing from North and WestHousing, a name which theAssociation has held since 1993.Previous to that the Association wasknown as Derry HousingAssociation from its formation backin 1965.
Why change our name?The reasons for considering a
name change were:(a) Many members felt that the
name reflected the Association’s
geographical base in the northwest of Northern Ireland and thatthis was no longer a true representa-tion because:
(i) the Association owns and man-ages nearly 400 houses in north,east and west Belfast and hadopened a housing office for theBelfast area in 2009.
(ii) the Association’s area of opera-tion continues to widen as reflectedby its current development pro-gramme with sites being acquired
in new locations such as Newry,Downpatrick and Newtownards.
(b) It is likely that when the hous-ing market improves again socialhousing schemes in NorthernIreland will have to be provided asmixed tenure developments simi-lar to established practice in GreatBritain. North and West will thenenter the ‘building for sale’ marketfor the first time which is not onlyhighly competitive but also com-mercially risky.
IntroducingApex Housing Association
CONTINUES PAGE 3
North and West Housing changes name to Apex Housing Association
Residents of BeechwayHouse computer course - p5
COMPUTERWIZZ KIDS
Issue 4
October 2010
Ray Forbes, Director of Development & Procurementdiscusses procurement best practice with theMinister for Social Development, Alex Attwood. Also present Siobhan Porter - Architect, Majorie Keenan - Chairperson and Gerry Kelly - CEO.
08 And finally
Apex Housing Association Observer | October 20102
First things first
CONTENTS
0304 Best Practice News
06 &07 News & Events
Parkview Celebrations
Management Teams
The Tenant’s Forum
Changing TimesNew chapter in the Association’s historybegins with new headquarters and nameLike the proverbial long awaitedbuses where two come at the onetime, two major changes with farreaching implications for theAssociation have also arrived atthe same time – the move to newheadquarters in Butcher Streetand the change of name to Apex.
It is my view that the decisionstaken by the Board of Managementleading to these are among the mostimportant taken by them over thepast twenty years and represent anew chapter in the Association’s
development.For the first time, we have an office
that adequately meets theAssociation’s needs for the foresee-able future providing excellent facil-ities not only for the staff based there,but for staff visiting from outreachschemes and for our customers. Nolonger curtailed by a lack of space wecan now consider new initiatives,directed at staff and the wider com-munity. For example it allows us todevelop our Health & Well Beingstrategies aided by the new gym pro-
vision on the lower ground floor ofthe building and to expand ourCorporate Social Responsibility roleby offering work experience to stu-dents/unemployed. In addition theoffices incorporate four commercialunits and its potential for incomegeneration is further enhanced byproviding meeting and conferenc-ing facilities.
Coupled with this, our new nameand corporate image raises theAssociation’s profile throughoutNorthern Ireland. Any seeming geo-graphic limitation posed by the pre-vious name no longer exists which Ibelieve will afford the Associationnew opportunities to deliver bothsocial and affordable housingthroughout Northern Ireland.
It is my firm opinion that these twochanges will not only enhance theservices that we provide to cus-tomers but act as a catalyst forgrowth. At a time when theNorthern Ireland economy is shrink-ing it is important that organisationslike Apex Housing Association areinvesting for the future.
Chairman’sComment
MarjorieKeenan OBE
Chairman
Mayor Councillor ColmEastwood with residents andmembers from LeafairCommunity Association andpartner organisations launchingtheir community art project. Themosaic is sited on a wall of a
house owned by Apex.Commenting on the work,
Thomas Carlin, TenantParticipation Officer at Apex said: “This project demonstrates the posi-tive impact that local people canhave on their communities. Apex has
supported Leafair CommunityAssociation in the development ofthis project and commend them ontheir efforts.”The project was funded by theRe-imaging CommunitiesProgramme.
North and West performance news 09/10
The Dunvale House residents and
staff at the Carer of the Year Awards
...It is my firm opinionthat these two changes willnot only enhance the serv-ices that we provide...
“Marjorie Keenan OBE, Chairman
Leafair Community Art project
Contact the EditorIf you have any community news orevents you would like the ApexObserver to cover, please get in touch:
Apex Housing Association Observer | October 2010 3
News
Introducing Apex HousingAssociation
The members felt it was thereforenecessary to re-brand theAssociation with a corporate identitythat is much more marketable thanNorth and West Housing.
Why change our name to Apex?In Northern Ireland, housing asso-
ciations must obtain the services ofcontractors and consultants throughan approved procurement group.North and West Housing has playedan important role in setting up ApexProcurement (Northern Ireland)Limited which is at the forefront ofprocurement best practice. Througha service level agreement, North andWest Housing provides the neces-sary expertise to Apex Procurementto enable it to fulfil its function.
As a result of this ongoing collabo-rative working, the names Apex andNorth and West Housing havebecome increasingly synonymouswith many in government and thebuilding industry seeing littledistinction between the two,frequently referring to North andWest Housing as Apex.
Hence when considering a namechange the members felt Apexshould be adopted not only to simpli-fy matters and remove confusion,but also as a way of strengtheningthe fledgling Apex brand.
Our New Offices.The name change coincides with
the Association moving to its newheadquarters at Butcher Street in thecentre of Derry. Together these twoimportant factors heralds a newphase in the ongoing growth anddevelopment of the organisation.
COVER STORY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Following the allocations of theabove funding from the EU’sPEACE III Programme togetherwith a further £0.5 m from AtlanticPhilanthropies, Apex is now in aposition to proceed with the rede-velopment of the former ColinGlen Bacon factory at Suffolk Roadto provide a new cross- communityresource centre.
Apex acquired this West Belfastproperty in 2003 and in the interimperiod built 120 social houses on thevacant ground to the rear of theproperty, now known as DerryveaghDrive. Its housing office for theBelfast area is also located there.
Although the physical condition ofthe former factory has been poor, thebuilding has housed much neededcommunity support services over thepast twenty years including crèchefacilities, after school club, coun-selling, education and training, fam-ily support and youth servicesincluding a boxing club. Thedemand for these services from thesurrounding community living onboth sides of the Suffolk Road inter-face remains very high.
Following the temporary re-loca-tion of the community services toother work places nearby, Apex has
appointed a specialistcontractor to demolish
the vacant build-ing and
clear the site. A planning applica-tion for the new building will belodged early in 2011 and it is antici-pated that construction of the newcentre will begin by the autumn ofthat year.
Social Development Minister AlexAttwood visited the site recently toview progress of this importantcross-community project. He said:“When completed this new buildingwill provide a ‘fit for purpose’ com-munity facility at theLenadoon/Suffolk interface. It willcreate a shared space and supportthe delivery of the various peace,reconciliation and regeneration
priorities for the area. I amdelighted with the
plans for thisi m p r e s s i v e
develop-
ment and progress to date”.Accompanying the Minister in the
visit, Pat Colgan, Chief Executive ofthe Special EU Programmes Body,praised the commitment of the dif-
ferent partners involved. “It isextremely rewarding to see that peo-ple are willing to work together toensure the continuity of importantservices, available to all members ofthe community, in better and moreappropriate facilities. Promotingshared neutral space such as this is
one of the key priorities of thePEACE III Programme and an
essential step to normalisesocial relationships
within our com-munity”.
Community centre to proceedthanks to £4m EU injection
...when completed thisnew building will provide afit for purpose communityfacility...
“Minister for Social Development - Alex Attwood
New Offices: Opposite the Tower Hotel
New Corporate Identity for Apex Housing Association
Left to right: Gerry Kelly - CEO, Apex Housing; Pat Colgan - CEO, Special European Union Programmes Body and the Minister for Social Development -Alex Attwood, MLA, pictured visiting the Suffolk Road Mill.
The Association sold 2 houses during 09/10, compared with no salesthe previous year.
Apex Housing Association Observer | October 20104
Best practice news
At Apex Housing Association wemonitor performance on a con-stant basis to ensure that the serv-ice we deliver is efficient and effec-tive. During the financial year2009/10 the Association per-formed well.
At the end of the year 2009/10 itowned 3,243 homes, making it oneof the largest housing associations inNorthern Ireland.
In this issue of ‘Observer’ we look atsome key services we provide andtheir performance in 09/10.
How the Association performed in 09/10
Rent Charges
Average rents charged during 2009/2010 are detailed in the graphbelow:
Rent Collected
We believe that prevention and early intervention in income collec-tion is crucial as it ensures whenever possible customers do not havea rent debt that spirals out of control which can result in tenantslosing their home.
During 2009/10 our arrears were 4.45% of annual rent receivable. Thiswas an improvement on our previous year’s performance of 4.69%.
Anti-social Behaviour Reports
We are committed to tackling the anti-social behaviour that affectsour customers. Housing Officers investigate and resolve theseissues using a variety of tools from mediation to legal enforcement.
In 2009/10 114 cases of anti-social behaviour were reported to Northand West. In the previous year we had 246 cases reported.
Evictions/Abandonments
The Association took a total of 78 people to court during the year,all of these were for rent arrears . Three of these court actionsresulted in evictions during 2009/10.
Letting Properties
North and West let 1051 units throughout the year. This included259 new lets.
The Association endeavours to let and re-let its housing stock quickly inan attempt to keep void properties to a minimum and to reduce loss ofrental income as much as possible. Over all our re-lets, the time betweenvacation of property and commencement of new tenancy is an averageof 0.34 weeks.
Voids: Loss of potential rental income due to properties being vacantwas 2.27% of the rent receivable. This was lower than the previous year’sloss of 2.75%.
Repairs Service
During the year a total of 10,798 repairs were carried out.
House Sales Performance
During the year there were 14 official complaints received. In allcases a satisfactory outcome was reached.
Complaints Performance
Controlled rents relate to properties that were let before 1993 whichreceived 100% grant funding from the government.
Economic rents relate to properties that were let after 1993 and wereonly partly funded by government, with the remainder funded by private loans obtained by the Association.
Housing with Care51
85.8%Emergency
2.81%
1.88%
1.37%
3.08%
Rent Arrears as a % of Rent Receivable
01/04/08 - 31/03/09 - Total 4.69%
Supported Living
General
01/04/09 - 31/03/10 - Total 4.45%
Supported Living
General
£38.22
£55.86
£66.15
£42.04
£61.45
£72.76
Average Weekly Rents Charged Lettings per Accommodation Type
Economic
1 Bedroom Flat (26 Points)
2 Bedroom House (38 Points)
3 Bedroom House (45 Points)
Controlled
1 Bedroom Flat (26 Points)
2 Bedroom House (38 Points)
3 Bedroom House (45 Points) Nursing246
General Housing375
Sheltered22
SupportedHousing
185
Hostels172
Out of 3321 repairsreported 2851 werecompleted within
Response Time
88.9%Urgent
Out of 4208 repairsreported 3739 werecompleted within
Response Time
93.2%Routine
Out of 3269 repairsreported 3047 werecompleted within
Response Time
Apex Housing Association Observer | October 2010 5
Achievement
In April 2010, 12 North and WestSheltered Housing schemesreceived the prestigious CHSaward for “Code of Practice forSheltered Housing and RelatedSupport for Older Persons in theCommunity”.
This is a national award for excel-lence which is presented to organisa-tions providing the highest quality ofservices and standard of accommo-dation for older people.
The award focused on 10 Standardswhich were used to measure goodpractice in the provision and deliveryof our Sheltered Housing service.The Code required the Association todemonstrate excellence in variousareas.
Tenants and staff at each shelteredhousing scheme worked togetherduring 2009 to develop a portfolio ofevidence to demonstrate how thesestandards are implemented on a‘day-to-day’ basis in the delivery ofour services. In May 2010 an externalassessor appointed by the CHS visitedBeechwood Court to meet with ten-
ants and staff and verify the informa-tion provided in the portfolio.
In June 2010 CHS confirmedaccreditation. Achievement of theaward reaffirmed to staff, residentsand external organisations thatNorth and West is committed to the
delivery of excellence in providingsheltered housing services.
To celebrate the achievement, anawards ceremony was held at Northand West Housing on Friday 11thJune 2010 and certificates were pre-sented to each Scheme Manager by
Marjorie Keenan, Chairperson ofNorth and West Housing.
Marjorie stated that: “Achievementof this award reflects our commit-ment to our tenants to ensure bestpractice in the delivery of our service.Can I take this opportunity to thankyou all for your hard work and com-mitment in achieving this reaccredi-tation.”
Marjorie Keenan, Chair of North and West with Scheme Managers and staff at the Centre for Housing and Support Awards presentation
Areas of excellence...
Service Delivery, Review & Continuous Improvement
Policy & Legislation
Equality & Diversity
Confidentiality & Privacy
Independence & Empowerment
Professional Role &Responsibilities
Collaboration & Community Development
Trained & Supported Staff
Physical Environment
Awards for 12 Sheltered Housing schemes
The Association’s commitmentand investment to its staff andtheir development was recognisedin June 2010 by confirmation ofour continued status as anInvestors in People organisation.However, the Association has goneone step further and been recog-nised as reaching Bronze statuswithin the awarding structure.
Less than 50 organisations withinN. Ireland have been accreditedwithin this enhanced frameworkwhich assesses the organisation’sperformance over 60 key indicatorsrelating to the management anddevelopment of staff.
Areas highlighted for particularpraise by the Department forEmployment & Learning includedthe support for training and develop-ment offered by Apex to individualstaff members; the Association’sapproach to flexible workingrequests from staff and the level ofcorporate social responsibility dis-played by the organisation throughits work both locally and in Africa.
The Association realises the veryreal benefits of investing time andresources in its staff. Elaine Taylor,Director of Personnel & Training sup-ports this point of view: “Strong peo-ple management structures not only
helps retain the experienced andwell-qualified staff which theorganisation currently employ butassists in helping attract newemployees. Absenteeism is kept toa minimum through employeewell-being initiatives and high lev-els of staff motivation and job sat-isfaction is maintained - all ofwhich undoubtedly reflect on theservice which we provide to ourtenants and residents.”
...absenteeism is kept to aminimum through employeewell-being initiatives andstaff motivation...
“Elaine Taylor, Director of Personnel & Training
Apex in the Top 50 OrganisationsBronze Award - Investors in People
...Strong people management structureshelps retain the experiencedand well-qualified staff...
“Elaine Taylor, Director of Personnel & Training
Apex Housing Association Observer | October 20106
Community news
The Tenants Forum is made up oftenant representatives fromacross Apex areas. The Forum hadits first meeting in November 2002and has been very active eversince. Currently The Forum meetsevery two months at different ven-ues.
The purpose of The Tenants Forumis to increase the Association’saccountability to tenants. TheForum is convened by theAssociation and acts as a conduit forthe exchange of views regardingmatters that affect tenants. The aimsof the Forum are to:
Represent the views of all tenantsand residents
Promote the welfare and well-being of all tenants and residents
Promote good working relationsbetween Apex, The Forum, TenantAssociations, all tenants, and otheragencies
Consider policy and service provi-sion matters relevant to tenantneeds
The Forum is facilitated by theTenant Participation Officer and allmeetings are attended by a memberof Senior Management.
During 2009/2010 The TenantsForum met at various locations inDerry and Donegal. This provided anopportunity for tenants and resi-dents living in these areas to attendand contribute to the discussion.
Some of the issues that were dis-cussed during the year included:
Apex Housing policies
Maintenance and Repairs
New housing developments
Apex Housing Association’sBusiness Plan and future plans
The work of the Association inTanzania with Children in Crossfire
The Observer – Apex Newsletter
The Neighbourhood WatchProgramme
How to help tenants with financialworries through our FinancialInclusion Strategy
The role of Active TenantsDevelopment of new Tenant
Participation StrategyApex is currently developing the
Tenant Participation Strategy for2011 - 2014. The aim of the strategy isto facilitate the participation of alltenants and residents in the workand activities of the Association.
Consultation on the strategy will take place during the months of October /November 2010.
The role of The Tenants ForumMary Kelly - Chairperson of the Tenants Forum, talks about TheForum and the role that it plays at Apex Housing Assocation
Coffee Morning & Cake Sale in aid of Miwaleni
North and West organised an out-ing for Tenants Forum members,together with interested shelteredhousing residents from schemes inDerry and Donegal, to ParliamentBuildings, Stormont, Belfast onTuesday, 15 June 2010.
In Parliament Buildings the groupwas met by Mitchel McLaughlin MLA.The group spent time in the GreatHall, and a member of staff gave aresumé of the history of the buildingand its current function. The groupvisited the Chamber where AssemblyCommitee meetings take place andlearned more of the functions of thevarious committees and sessions.
The group was also given a tour ofthe Strangers (Public) Gallery andheard a Plenary Meeting in theAssembly Chamber. Mr NelsonMcCausland MLA, Minister forCulture, Arts & Leisure was answer-ing questions about Ulster Scots as arecognised language.
A finger lunch was provided in oneof the Conference Rooms, duringwhich the group were able to mixand chat. Afterwards, Mr MickyBrady MLA spent time answeringquestions.
Overall, residents came away witha better understanding of how theNorthern Ireland Assembly conductsitself.
Beechway Resident Presentation
Presentation of Certificates to residents of Beechway House who completed North and West’s computer course at the Education Unit, Strand Foyer.Front Row: Vera Sproule, Mary Kate Reid and Philomena Cassidy. Back Row: May Mc Kenna, John Keaveney and Nellie McElhinney
NEWS IN BREIF
Tenants ForumStormount Outing
Chloe Coyle makesa visit to Parkview
In support of the Assocation’s mother andchild clinic in Miwaleni, Tanzania, Taobhna Cille Residents' Group, Moville, held acoffee morning and cake sale in May.
An original oil painting by prominentDonegal artist, Nadia Kaczmarczuk, was alsoraffled. The Moville community supported theevent generously and a total of €800 wasraised. This was supplemented by a donationfrom Residents' Group funds that enabled acheque for €1020 to be made to Mary Kelly,Board of Management, for Miwaleni.
Taobh na Cille Residents' Group, Moville: Their coffee morning and cake sale raised €1020 for the mother and child clinic inMiwaleni, Tanzania.
On 18th April Sadie Campbell, resi-dent at Parkview House,Castlederg, celebrated her birth-day. A party was held in Parkviewwith special guest Chloe Coyle, alocal Castlederg girl who won theAll-Ireland RTE Talent competi-tion. Chloe sang a few songs forSadie and her guests.
On 30th July Parkview had a specialevening to officially receive thegreenhouse that was donated bylocal gentleman Mr MarshallMilligan with donations from his80th Birthday.
by Mary Kelly
Chairperson of theTenants Forum
Chloe Coyle winner of the All-Ireland RTE Talent competition picturedwith Sadie Campbell and Willie Meehan at Parkview House
Apex Housing Association Observer | October 2010 7
News and events
Over the next few issues we will be introducing you to the BoardMembers and staff of Apex Housing Association. In this issue we willintroduce our Board Members and Directors.
The Board has overall control of the Association’s affairs. It determines allstrategic policies, monitors performance and ensures its financial viability.
Marjorie Keenan - ChairProgramme Manager (Retired) - Foyle Health and Social Services Trust
Martin Doherty - Vice ChairpersonLecturer - University of Ulster
Liam Mc Cafferty - TreasurerPublic Health Inspector (Retired) - Western Group Environmental Health Committee
Mary HamiltonAlderman - Derry City CouncilMary acts as advocate for residents within our supported living schemes
Peter CaldwellBusiness Manager (Retired)Western Health and Social Care Board
Frank Dunne Head Teacher (Retired) - St Brigid’s College
Mark GillespieConsultant Nurse - WHSC Trust
Brian DoughertyDirector - St Columb’s Park House
Mary KellyScheme Manager (Retired) - Apex HousingMary is Chairperson of our Tenants Forum
Damian Mc KennaAssistant Bank Manager - First Trust Bank
Meet the Management Teams
Board of Management
Gerry Kelly - Chief ExecutiveGerry has responsibility for the operational management ofthe Association’s affairs ensuring achievement of its strategicobjectives.
Ray Forbes - Director of DevelopmentRay manages our extensive development programme and isProgramme Director for the Apex Procurement Group.
Kevin Butler - Director of Property ServicesKevin is responsible for response maintenance and thelong-term upkeep of our housing stock, including groundsmaintenance and transport provision and provides supportfor all new build and refurbishment projects.
Sheena McCallion - Director of Housing & Care ServicesSheena is responsible for delivering our landlordresponsibilities and for the provision of care and support.
Elaine Taylor - Director of Personnel & TrainingElaine is responsible for recruitment, development andtraining of staff, alongside employee relations.
Roderick Canning - Director of FinanceRoderick is responsible for the management of theAssociation’s financial affairs.
Management Team
Marjorie Keenan OBEChairperson
Peter Caldwell Frank Dunne MBE Mark Gillespie
Brian Dougherty MBE Mary Kelly Damian McKenna
Martin DohertyVice-Chair
Liam McCaffertyTreasurer
Mary Hamilton
Gerry Kelly OBEChief Executive
Sheena McCallion Director of Housing
& Care Services
Roderick CanningDirector of Finance
Ray Forbes Director of Development
& Procurement
Kevin Butler Director of Property Services
Elaine Taylor Director of Personnel
& Training
Apex Housing Association Observer | October 20108
And finally
Carer of the Year Awards 2010
Apex has recognised the valu-able contribution which its staffplay in the success of the organi-sation through a prestigiousawards ceremony held in theMillennium Forum and hostedby Paul Clarke, UTV Live.
The Carer of the Year and SpecialRecognition Awards were held inJune 2010 and attended by over 60staff who had received nomina-tions from the Association resi-dents, families, visitors and man-agement.
Marjorie Keenan, Chairperson ofthe Association congratulated allstaff nominated for an award, stat-ing: “It became evident to me dur-ing this process that our staff arehighly regarded by residents, rela-tives and by management. Smallgestures such as a welcoming man-ner, a gentle word and a caring atti-tude have been highly valued. Ourjob as members of the decisionspanel was not an easy one with somany nominees worthy of anaward.”
Several staff teams were alsogiven a special mention – ParkviewHouse, Castlederg; DaleviewHouse, Derry and Mullagh House,Limavady, where nominators feltthat the entire staff team were wor-thy of an award;
“ the family wish to put on recordour thanks for the loving care andattention given by all staff duringour mother’s residence in DaleviewHouse. Nothing has been too muchbother for anyone. Complimentsmust go to the manager, Marcella,on probably the best residentialand nursing home in this area.”
Whilst this year the process didnot offer the option of nominatinga team for an award this is some-thing which will be considered forthe future.
Residents from Mullagh Houseand Dunvale House providedentertainment during the ceremo-ny alongside residents from AbbeyHouse, Ballyoan House andClondermott House who spoke oftheir experiences as residents .
...since day one she has beenconsistent in her bedsidemanner, and her caringattitude stands out...
Some of the praise given to our carers
Parkview House
Lorraine McKenna
Nurse of the Year Award
Carer of the Year -Padhraic O’Rourke, ResidentialWorker, Dunvale House, Derry.
Commitment to PersonalDevelopment - GeraldineMcLaughlin, Support Worker,Foyle Valley House, Derry.
Special congratulations to...
...it is our staff who makethis the comfortable andhappy home that we allenjoy...
UTV presenter, Paul Clarke
joins in on the fun
Left to right: Colum Eastwood (Mayor), Paddy Blair, Paul Clarke (UTV), Julie Ann Lyttle, Martin Hibberd, Helen O'Hara (RW), Richard Linton
Back rows - left to right : Grainne Doherty, Louise Wilson, Paul Clarke, Joan George, Gerry Kelly, Ann Harvey, Lorraine McKenna, Patricia McGrory, Geraldine McLaughlin. Front rows - left to right : Mary Hamilton, Padhraic O'Rourke, Marjorie Keenna, Colum Eastwood.
