People United Win a National Award

The winners of the first Better Places National Awards were announced at a ceremony in Manchester on 3 July.

The awards were organised by New Start – the UK’s leading magazine about making places better. They were searching for projects and programmes that demonstrated innovation and a commitment to inclusive approaches and wanted to celebrate initiatives that have gone that extra mile, reaching out to all sections of society and blazing a trail for others to follow.

People United won the Social Enterprise Award for their We All Do Good Things project in Herne Bay, Kent. The project was launched in 2009, collecting stories of kindness and love from the local community. Artists worked across the town to uncover and celebrate positive stories from bingo halls, schools, residential homes and hairdressing salons.

The project culminated in an exhibition and giant picnic for the community attracting more than 1,000 local people. Overall, the project involved around a sixth of the town’s population.

A research team at the University of Kent is now analysing its wider impact and We All Do Good Things has already inspired similar projects elsewhere. Its success hasn’t gone unnoticed in government. David Anderson, cohesion guidance and cross-government liaison at the Department for Communities and Local Government, says of the initiative:

 “Every now and again I hear about a local project which is both exceptional and inspiring, making me want to tell others about it. The work that People United have done falls into that category.

 It shows how a positive focus on what people have in common can help tackle difficult social issues. And like all great ideas, it is simple enough for others to copy, but also highly original.”

 The judges said: “The exciting thing about this initiative is that while it’s already demonstrated success, it’s also acting as a catalyst – and it can clearly be replicated elsewhere.”

 People United are delighted with the award as it recognises a project that harnessed the power of the arts to make a positive difference. We also won the Community Award presented by Canterbury City Council at the Culture Awards in 2011 for the same project.

Attached image – Sarah Fox, Project Manager at the Better Places National Awards Ceremony

Welcome to the mad house Caroline!

Unit 74 – 206 sq ft

Units 27 & 28 (Interlinking) – 600 sq ft in total

For prices and to organise a viewing please contact either Jo or Tracy on 01227 811700.

A Canterbury Innovations Centre business, Nova IT Solutions had more than one reason to celebrate the start of 2012 in January. In addition to moving a to a larger office at their Canterbury site in Kent, Roland Nowak received exciting news from the British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT, who confirmed he has been upgraded from a Professional Member (MBCS) to the significant status of Fellow (FBCS) http://wam.bcs.org/wam/memberdirectory.aspx?letter=N&grade=FBCS

‘The grade of Fellowship comprises the most senior and respected professionals in the field of IT’ and reflects the up-to-date expertise, knowledge and training skills that Roland brings on a daily basis to Nova IT Solutions clients and staff, as well as a consultant to schools and charities.

Roland had to meet stringent criteria covering Eminence (recognition and acknowledgement in the IT field), Authority (recognised and respected for knowledge and expertise) and Seniority prerequisite. Support of the award by two other acknowledged IT professionals was also a necessary requirement. Passing these criteria then led to an invitation to attend an intense interview held with two distinguished Chartered Fellow members covering additional technical and IT related management questions, before being achieving the honor of being awarded Fellowship.

For those who may not know, The Institute fosters links between experts from industry, academia and business to promote new thinking, education and knowledge sharing.  The Institute collaborates with government, industry and relevant bodies to establish good working practices, codes of conduct, skills frameworks and common standards. It also offers a range of consultancy services to employers to help them adopt best practice. To be awarded a Fellowship recognises an industry expert and promotes shared knowledge both within and outside an organisation.

More information on the BCS can be found at: http://www.bcs.org/category/5651

Roland Nowak (FBCS): 0800 019 4525 (Free phone 24/7) www.nova-itsolutions.com

We have had a great start to the New Year – 4 new licensees moved in on the first day back after the Christmas break (3rd January 2012) and a total of 7 new licensees have joined us during January.  Looks like February is going to be just as busy.

So now we only have the following units left:

Unit 7 – Workshop

Unit 16 – Studio

Unit 20 – Studio

Unit 27 – Office

Unit 32 – Office

Unit 49 – Office

Interested?  Then call either myself (Tracy) or Jo Clark on 01227 811700.

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/fWZxGjO21Zgl5ogM

A huge thank you is extended to all those who took part in the Wear It Pink day on 28th October where we raised £145.00 for the Breast Cancer Campaign.  Much appreciated.

Roll on December …………………………………….