A Newport man who has lived in the same home for 58 years has been shortlisted for a Wales-wide ‘tenant of the year’ award.
Keith Wood, 79, was nominated by Newport City Homes in the TPAS Cymru Awards for his commitment to making services better for tenants and his role as a volunteer in the community. TPAS used to be known as the Tenant Participation Advisory Service.
The Bettws resident moved into his home in February 1964.
He said: “It came as a total surprise. I’m chair of the NCH scrutiny partnership and volunteer with ten community groups. It’s a good social outlet, it really is. You meet so many interesting people. Things happen, it’s a knock-on process, one things leads to another.
“I’ve given local history talks to schools and helped students from Cardiff University research the history of the Bettws estate. If you want something done well and quickly contact a busy person. It’s not a commitment like going to work.
“This summer I’m going around the city with a trailer and the scrutiny partnership to talk to tenants about their experiences of living in an NCH home.
“I just love my involvement with NCH and have had so many new experiences thanks to them.”
Dave Johnson, head of communities and wellbeing at Newport City Homes, said: “Keith is a true Newport star and dedicates his time to make things better for others. He is committed to supporting us to become the best possible housing association.
“Alongside the hours he commits to NCH he also plays a leading role with community and voluntary organisations across the city including Newport 50+ Forum, Gwent Advocacy - Access To Advocacy, and The Alzheimer’s Society.
“Before the pandemic he used to joke that he owned a mobile phone but ‘it was kept in a drawer and brought out to dust off now and again.’ We loaned him a tablet and he learned new skills and now chairs meetings using Zoom and is embracing this new way of working. Thanks to Keith and the work of the scrutiny partnership we use the feedback they give to challenge and improve the services we provide.”