Leah Hay does East Lothian proud
Leah Hay did East Lothian proud last weekend as she was announced Young Achiever of the Year by the national Tenants’ Information Service (TIS). Leah, who is the Participation Assistant for East Lothian Champs Board, won the award for her commitment to improving housing for care leavers in the area. She helped to develop care experience information sessions for all East Lothian Council frontline housing staff and was recognised for ‘inspiring others, demonstrating an ability to go above and beyond, and a willingness to learn and build new skills’.
Leah says:
"I was very surprised to be nominated for this award and even more surprised to learn that I had won. The response I’ve had for my work with housing has been reassuring and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them in the future. I absolutely love my job. Winning this award is so exciting and I had a great time celebrating at the awards ceremony. I feel very privileged."
East Lothian Council’s Education and Children’s Services Spokesperson, Councillor Shamin Akhtar, says:
"We are all so proud of Leah. She has helped lots of people working in housing and elsewhere to understand more about care experienced young people and things that staff can do to support them to find and sustain tenancies, for example, help with budgeting, furnishing and maintaining their homes. I think she has helped us to be better corporate parents. She’s a very bright and committed young woman and an inspiration to us all."
‘We are all so proud of Leah. She has helped lots of people working in housing and elsewhere to understand more about care experienced young people and things that staff can do to support them to find and sustain tenancies.’