A BEREAVED Stratford mum who transformed her life following the loss of her partner has received an award.
Orbit Housing Association tenant Dawn was presented with the ‘Brian Griffiths’ Award’, which recognises residents who has overcome significant social barriers.
The mum-of-one received £1,000 worth of funding towards education or learning, self-employment, personal or business development.
Dawn’s partner passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep. Before her loss, Dawn had never managed her tenancy, which left her struggling to cope financially, and as a result she fell into arrears.
Determined to keep herself afloat, she enrolled in counselling, with her eight-year-old daughter, to try and come to terms with her loss, and found help through the Widowed and Young (WAY) support group.
Since the tragedy, Dawn is now out of arrears, has completed a teacher assistance training course and is now working towards a qualification in children’s mental health.
Dawn aims to succeed with help from Orbit to meet her goals and provide the best life for her daughter.
Dawn said: “I feel very humbled by people taking the time to read about my experience and vote for me. In what has been an incredibly difficult year, winning this award has been a little glimmer of hope and the prize will help my little girl follow her dreams.”
The Thriving Communities Awards celebrate Orbit customers and partners who make positive contributions to their area or who have overcome barriers to transform their lives. There were five categories including two new awards – the ‘Your Voice’ award and the ‘Orbit Earth’ award.
Orbit spokesman Mark Hoyland said: “Our Thriving Communities Awards shine a spotlight on the amazing people, charities, social enterprises and businesses that make our communities a better place. With the current circumstances, it has never been more important to recognise our community champions, whose inspirational stories are often extraordinary and untold.
“Orbit is always looking at ways to increase our impact on communities and these awards are the perfect way to say well done and thank you to the local heroes within the community who share our values and commitment.”
