Inspirational Deganwy woman wins worker's award

Dec 4 2008 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

A WOMAN from Deganwy has been named Inspirational Colleague of the Year at a national housing awards ceremony.

Rukhsana Nugent, the manager of Pobl@Gwaith Social Enterprise Training Scheme, has transformed the lives of unemployed people by equipping them for work.

She was the joint winner of the accolade at the Wales Housing Awards organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing, after she was nominated by her colleague Bryn Stirrup, from Colwyn Bay.

Bryn, who now works as the social care co-ordinator for the project, was himself a trainee on the course in early 2007. Since then more than 60 people have transformed their lives and secured employment contracts as a result of their training on the scheme.

“Before coming on the scheme I had been out of work for about 18 months after being made redundant as a jeweller,” said Bryn.

“Demotivated, lacking in self-confidence and struggling to find employment, Rukhsana gave me an opportunity where others wouldn’t.

“Rukhsana and the scheme rebuilt my confidence and gave me hope for the future. She is one of the most inspirational and driven people I have ever met. She has changed my life.”

Bryn added that he was supported in his nomination by many of the other scheme beneficiaries who said that Rukhsana’s belief in them and her support had empowered them to embrace and reach their potential.

Many now work for the Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, which is part of the Pennaf Housing Group, in supported living schemes for homeless people. Others have gone on to work for other care and support agencies across North Wales.

“I was deeply touched and felt incredibly honoured to receive the award,” said Rukhsana. “I am also very proud of each and every one of our scheme beneficiaries.”

For details of the next Pobl@Gwaith course which is provisionally scheduled to start in Rhyl in January phone 01745 353957.