During its 40th Anniversary evening celebration, Manningham Housing Association (MHA) held a special awards ceremony to recognise and celebrate members of its community and staff who have made an outstanding contribution to the organisation and the people it serves.
The special 40th Anniversary Awards formed part of MHA’s milestone celebrations, recognising individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Association, its customers, and communities.
What made the awards particularly special was that recipients were nominated by MHA staff and tenants, reflecting the impact they have had on the people around them.
Ten Individual Recognition Awards were presented during the celebration, recognising acts of compassion, outstanding customer service, community spirit, dedication and years of commitment to MHA.
Nazneen Zafar, Neighbourhood Officer, was recognised for her professionalism, experience and compassion towards tenants. One nomination described how Nazneen had supported a tenant through an incredibly difficult period, helping them feel heard and making a lasting difference to their life.
Cath Bacon, a tenant champion and former Tenant Board Member, was recognised for many years of involvement with MHA’s Board, customer panels and scrutiny activities. Cath has consistently championed the tenant voice, supported other residents and challenged MHA to continue improving its services.
Sumaira Khan, Compliance Officer, received an award following nominations from both colleagues and tenants. She was praised for her positivity, warmth and willingness to help, as well as for taking ownership and going above and beyond for customers, even in challenging situations.
Wendy Keogh, Customer Services Assistant, was recognised for consistently demonstrating excellent customer service. Tenants described Wendy as helpful, polite and someone who genuinely listens, with one nomination highlighting how she personally helped an elderly resident communicate with a family member when his telephone was not working.
Community champion Rosemary Mupunga was celebrated for the positive contribution she makes to those around her. An active member of the Anchor Court Tenants Association, Rosemary regularly supports MHA activities, looks out for fellow residents and also volunteers to support refugee and asylum-seeking communities in Bradford.
Sayful Alam, Customer Involvement and Engagement Officer, was recognised for his kindness, positivity and genuine desire to help others. His colleagues described him as dedicated and hard-working, bringing ideas, energy and care to his work while consistently going the extra mile for tenants and colleagues.
Community champion Leanne Robertshaw was nominated by neighbours who described countless acts of kindness, from providing meals during difficult times and lifts to hospital appointments to baking for people in her neighbourhood. Despite being a busy mum of four, her nominations reflected someone who continually finds time to care for others.
Monuhar Ali, Senior Maintenance Surveyor, received recognition for his tremendous dedication to MHA, his team and customers. Colleagues highlighted the significant work he carries out behind the scenes, his willingness to help others and his commitment to ensuring MHA continues to meet its responsibilities to customers.
Nabeela Naseem, Neighbourhood Officer, was celebrated for the calmness, empathy and professionalism she brings to a demanding role. Her ability to listen, build rapport and defuse difficult situations was highlighted alongside her willingness to support colleagues and seek the best possible outcomes for tenants.
The final Individual Recognition Award went to Tracie Naylor, Head of Regeneration and Growth, whose contribution to MHA spans almost three decades. Tracie was particularly recognised for her role in helping MHA deliver more than 100 new homes for local families, alongside leading major projects including the refurbishment of Bank House.
117 years of service celebrated
The evening also provided an opportunity to recognise four colleagues whose combined service to Manningham Housing Association amounts to an extraordinary 117 years.
Moazum Hussain was recognised for 20 years of service, Tracie Naylor for 28 years, Sajid Mahmood for 33 years and Nazneen Zafar for an exceptional 36 years with the organisation. (main press picture)
Together, their commitment, loyalty and contribution have helped shape Manningham Housing Association into the organisation it is today.
Honouring where Manningham’s story began
The celebrations also paid tribute to the Bradford Youth Organisation (BYO) and the pioneering role it played in laying the foundations for Manningham Housing Association.
A special commemorative plaque was presented to Faz Haq in recognition of BYO’s vision, determination and contribution to the beginnings of the Association.
Founder members were also invited to join the celebrations as MHA reflected on the people who were there at the beginning of its journey and helped mark the anniversary with the cutting of the 40th Anniversary cake.
The awards formed a fitting part of MHA’s 40th anniversary celebrations, presented by Barrington Billings, bringing together the past and present and recognising that behind four decades of homes, services and growth are people who have given their time, energy, compassion, and commitment to the organisation and the communities it serves.
As MHA looks towards its next chapter, the celebrations provided an opportunity not only to reflect on what has been achieved over the past 40 years, but to say a very public thank you to the tenants, colleagues, volunteers, community champions and founders who have helped make that journey possible.