The chair of Birmingham Co-operative Housing Services (bchs), part of Accord Housing Association, has received an award in recognition of her long-standing commitment to supporting housing co-operatives.
Margaret Cope, who is also treasurer of Paddock Housing Co-operative and a member on the Accord Homes & Communities committee, has been awarded the very first Active Lifetime Achievement Award from the Confederation of Co-op Housing (CCH).
Margaret was originally nominated for the Housing Co-operator of the Year award. However, after careful consideration, judges decided to create a new award for Margaret to honour her continued contribution to housing co-ops.
Margaret said: “I was really shocked to learn I have been given this award. I’ve worked hard for the Co-op for the last 40 years, but I didn’t think I was doing anything exceptional.
“Working for the Co-op is my life, I love what I do – I know that when I get up each day I’m making a difference to the 46 families in our homes.
“I’m proud to work with such a great group of people who all want to achieve the same things.
“It’s so wonderful to be recognised for the work I have done, and I’m really honoured to know that others feel I’ve made such a positive impact.”
Accord Housing Association chief executive Dr Chris Handy said: “This is a fantastic achievement and very well deserved.
“Margaret has a long history with Accord, currently as chair of the bchs Partnership board, and previously a member of Accord’s main board.
“Margaret holds co-operatives very close to her heart – like a Blackpool stick of rock, the co-op values run through her core.
“She is incredibly passionate about the importance of tenants coming first and is dedicated to helping provide affordable homes and building better communities.”
The award comes with a prize of £500 for Margaret to invest in her local community.
Margaret added: “I’m looking forward to receiving the money so I can do something nice for the Co-op members.”
Image: Margaret Cope, chair, Birmingham Co-operative Housing Services
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