Ex-cop’s award nod for work with young people
A FORMER police officer has made the shortlist for a national housing care award in recognition of his hard work with young people who live in supported accommodation.
Tony Linney, from Netherton, works with young people aged 18 to 25 in Holmfirth and helps them to develop relationships with their community.
He works for Huddersfield Road supported housing, run by the social care charity Making Space in cooperation with Kirklees Council.
He has now been shortlisted in the Frontline Leader category of the Housing With Care Awards. These awards are being held for the first time and are designed to celebrate those who work in supported and extra care housing.
Tony began working at the charity in 2021 and has been a team leader since 2022.
He said: “It’s always nice to be recognised for the work we do at Huddersfield Road.
“I’m just one part of a small but dedicated team who take a great deal of pride in excelling in everything they do.”
Service manager Sajeed Daji, who nominated Tony for the award, said: “Tony is passionate about working with young people and is their greatest advocate.
“He will always stand up for their rights and do everything he can to ensure their needs are met and voices heard.
“He’s worked in a range of health and social care settings throughout his working life, as a police officer and as a support worker with people with learning disabilities, and happily shares his experience with colleagues and young people to help them achieve their goals and aspirations.
“He helps to rebuild family relationships, improve understanding of mental health issues, arranges volunteering opportunities to boost skills and employment opportunities, and engages with drug and alcohol services to advocate for young people and ensure they are treated with respect.”
The Frontline Leader award aims to recognise individuals who have shown their commitment to improving care. Winners must show their leadership ability and ability to bring about positive change.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the London Marriott Hotel on Grosvenor Square on June 9.
Jenny MacLeod, Yorkshire head of operations at Making Space, said: “Tony leads by example, arranging and taking part in fitness programmes, walking groups and bike riding classes – he won’t encourage anyone to do something he wouldn’t be happy to do himself.
“He fully deserves to win this award – he has put his heart and soul into this service and the young people who use it.”