Belle Isle TMO is celebrating after being shortlisted in two of the most prestigious housing-sector awards.
Belle Isle TMO is the largest estate based tenant management organisations in the country, managing almost 2,000 homes on behalf of Leeds City Council since 2004. In October 2013, they officially opened the doors to a new public resource centre, which has been converted from a former library building, into the GATE; somewhere to ‘Get Advice, Training and Employment’.
The Tenant Participation Advisory Service, which is a national organisation that encourages and celebrates landlords and tenants working together, have shortlisted Belle Isle TMO in two categories for their northern region awards.
Julie Holmes, who volunteers at the GATE, has been shortlisted in the ‘Tenant of the Year’ category, in recognision of her commitment and dedication to improving local services, as well as running the GATE’s popular Ancestry Group. Belle Isle TMO will face tough competition in the ‘Excellence in Digital Engagement’ category, which they have been nominated in recognition of the new opportunities the GATE has provided for its users to embrace new technologies.
Quote from Julie Holmes. “When Carla told me I had been nominated I was surprised and had tears in my eyes then she told me I had been shortlisted in the Tenant Of The Year category, I cried. It’s an absolute honour to be nominated but to be shortlisted is unbelievable and I’m still on a high.”
Since the GATE was opened, the centre has delivered over 650 sessions and activities to support local people back into work, offering free support and help to use the computers at the centre, as well as CV workshops and job clubs.
The icing on the cake for Belle Isle TMO came last week when it was officially announced that the GATE had been shortlisted as a national finalist in the UK Housing Awards in the ‘Empowering Communities’ category.
Chris Simpson, Chief Executive of Belle Isle TMO said, “This is an incredible achievement for everyone who has contributed to the GATE over the last 16 months, in particular; our Board members who took the bold step to develop local services for local people; our partners, who without them we would not be in a position to offer such a varied programme of activities; and our staff and volunteers, who’s passion and dedication for the centre is already, in our opinion, award winning!”.
Quote Kenneth Ingram: Since moving to Bitmo sheltered accommodation 3 years ago this week. I have been happy to volunteer for many groups hosted by Bitmo Gate, such as the Ancestry group, Belle Isle and Middleton in Bloom, Belle Isle Gala and the Bitmo walking group.
There are many more actives run by Bitmo Gate such as Lunch and Dinner clubs which are held once a month which I take advantage of. Where else can you get a 2 course Sunday lunch for £3.50?
