The award, sponsored by Bield Housing Association, recognises social landlords who actively invest in supporting tenants and communities.

The Making Memories programme provided tenants and their families with access to a variety of local venues and experiences, fostering a renewed sense of community. Judges praised the initiative as a “very clever way of helping tenants” that served as a “key to unlocking and widening tenant participation”.

This achievement was made possible through the generous support of funders, including The Scottish Borders Council, the CLLD Fund, Sustainable Borders, and the Scottish Procurement Alliance, alongside ten local attractions that opened their doors to Waverley Housing tenants.

The organisation also celebrated being shortlisted in two other major categories. The Tenant Review Team, re-established in spring 2024, was a finalist for ‘Tenant Group of the Year’. Meanwhile, tenant Tanya Thomson was shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Tenant of the Year’ Alan Ferguson Award, earning personal commendation from the CEO of TPAS for her dedicated efforts.

Brian Pearson, head of housing at Waverley Housing, said: “Having only applied in three categories, and with a high number of entries, it was very pleasing to be short listed for all three which is testament to all our staff involved.

“To attend with staff at the TPAS awards and see the efforts of Craig Macdougall and our wider team who tirelessly work to improve Waverley’s community engagement, along with tenants like Tanya Thompson, rewarded in the recognition from our peers was heartening.

“Tanya brings a positive energy to both her community and our Tenant Review Team, and her involvement came from participating in the Making Memories project.”

If you want to know more about Making Memories, please contact Craig MacDougall – craig.macdougall@waverley-housing.co.uk