Singled out for her outstanding achievements, a Liverpool Housing Trust (LHT) tenant of nine years has won the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (
TPAS) Tenant of the Year
award for the Northern Region. Margaret Guppy was recommended for this award for her considerable contribution to her community and her significant involvement with LHT, part of Vicinity Group.
Receiving her award, Mrs Guppy commented: “I was really surprised and pleased to receive this award, it is an acknowledgement of the work I do, but I also think it is an acknowledgement of the work of all the volunteers and staff that I work with.”
Margaret Guppy is visually impaired, however she has overcome the challenge
s that her disability brings and is an inspiration to others.
Margaret has been integral to developing and improving communication at LHT and also within her various community roles. Her CV to date reveals an outstanding list of community dedication and achievement and includes:
• Chair and Secretary of the Liverpool branch of the Merseyside Partially Sighted Society which she founded in 1992
• A Trustee of Bradbury Fields, formerly Liverpool Voluntary Society for the Blind, having previously spent 7 years on their consultative forum, offering advice and guidance to help drive the service
• Committee member and Editor of Liverpool Talking Newspapers for the Blind
• Co-Chair of Liverpool City Council’s Older Peoples Panel
• Board Member of the Community Equipment and Disability Advice Service (CEDAS)
• Local fundraiser – her annual garden parties in her own home raise much needed funds for TNFB and her local gardening forum encourages others to take an interest in their gardens and has improved local neighbourhoods
In her role as a board member of CEDAS, Margaret helped to develop this multi-functional project; this unites various services and makes it easier for people with disabilities to receive the required support, guidance and equipment.
Margaret is an LHT Tenant Auditor and also a member of LHT’s Resident Involvement Monitoring Group which examines the performance of LHT services. She has been a critical eye for LHT’s Reader Group ensuring that publications are clear and understandable for all tenants. Margaret spends many hours transcribing LHT’s Neighbourhood Newsletters into audio versions.
Margaret has also been key in the development of LHT’s Think RED (Respect, Equality & Diversity) project; a highly acclaimed and successful campaign which encourages LHT contractors to provide a service which recognises and meets the needs of the individual.
Jo Phillips, LHT Resident Involvement Team Leader said: “The knowledge and skills Margaret imparts help both staff and other tenants to work together with understanding and honesty and with the ultimate goal of improving and delivering excellent services to tenants. We are delighted that Margaret’s effort, drive and dedication is being acknowledged with this award.”
David Lambert, LHT Managing Director added: “This recognition is a more than well-deserved endorsement of Margaret Guppy’s work. LHT thanks Margaret for her invaluable contribution.”