Muirhouse Housing Association celebrated a milestone anniversary at this month’s AGM – the local social housing provider is now twenty-five years old! Tenants and neighbours celebrated the special birthday with a fun day before their AGM at North Edinburgh Arts on 15 September.
The day was a celebration for the whole community. Actvities included face painting, circus skills, a bouncy castle and arts and crafts for the kids while adults enjoyed live music and a fine buffet.
Highlight of the annual general meeting was the premiere of a Muirhouse Housing Association promotional film, in which staff, board and tenants shared their views on what the organisation, and their community, means to them. The lovely little film was dedicated to two special women: Alison Blezard and Maureen McMillan, who each in their own way helped to make the organisation what it is today.
Alison, a prominent board member who helped steer the Association through it’s toughest times in recent years, sadly died in the summer. while Maureen was a wee community stalwart who was a driving force in everything positive in Muirhouse for many years – including the establishment of MHA.
Chairperson Bob McDougall told the AGM: “As I said last year, I firmly believe the future is bright for Muirhouse Housing Association. We are in a financially sound position and our organisation has a lot to look forward to. The staff and board together can, and will, take the Association on to greater and better things.”
Chief Executive Stevie McAvoy reflected on a successful year and said: “I am confident that successful times are ahead of us and we have the Board, staff and resources to deliver on our ambitious plans. We will continue to work hard to provide excellent services ans stronger communities for your future.”
On what was a memorable day, Muirhouse Housing Association also received Investors in People accreditation – the icing on the cake. Business consulting service Remarkable have been working with Muirhouse Housing Association, and the company’s Quality Manager Alan Gebbie attended the AGM to present the award.
Alan Gebbie (above, right) said: “Remarkable are delighted to award Investors in People accreditation to Muirhouse Housing Association. Remarkable found Muirhouse Housing Association to have high levels of trust where people feel empowered to ensure the customer is at the heart of everything they do. There is a strong sense of people feeling appreciated and valued for the work they do and everyone feels confident about the future of Muirhouse Housing Association.
“Everyone is encouraged to try new things in order to ensure the customer receives the highest standard of support and services are designed around people and their needs to ensure excellent customer service is delivered at all times.”
MHA chief executive Stevie McAvoy (above. left) said he was delighted to receive the award on behalf of the Muirhouse team. He said: “This award marks another notable milestone in the ongoing success of MHA. It’s fantastic that the hard work and commitment of our staff is recognised by this award. This confirms us as an exemplary employer, well placed to deliver our commitments of excellent services and a stronger, vibrant Muirhouse community.”
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