Every year national housing charity, Chapter 1 recognises special achievements by its staff, volunteers and clients – this year Andover’s Honorata Sianek won the outstanding employee award.
Honorata is manager of Chapter 1 River House, a supported housing scheme in Andover for young single people. However, she was recognised for acting as interim manager for a Chapter 1 service in Warwickshire until a new manager was appointed there, while still managing River House.
She said: “At the time I just felt I was doing my job, and stepping in to help out another Chapter 1 scheme. It came as a big surprise to find I’d been nominated for the award, but I’m very proud to have won.”
“It wasn’t easy to manage both schemes as it’s a long way from Andover to Leamington Spa, and I was spending three days a week away from home. Fortunately I knew that it wouldn’t last indefinitely and I’m pleased that I am now back full-time in Andover.”
Winners received a glass trophy in the shape of a figure ‘1’ at the charity’s Annual General Meeting in London at the end of November.
Applications from across the organisation were judged by a panel comprising board members, staff and clients and six full awards were made, two from each group. The winners came from Southampton, Liverpool, Andover, Exeter and Warwickshire. In addition, two clients were highly commended.
