Rose Coton

A youth worker from Hall Green has been named as a finalist in Birmingham City Council’s (BCC) prestigious Chamberlain Awards.

Rose Coton, who has been employed by BCC for the past 22 years, was nominated by fellow employees for setting up and running the Masefield Neighbourhood Advice Surgery – a task that has led Rose to be named as a finalist in the Working with Communities category.

The Chamberlain Awards scheme, which was established seven years ago by Councillor Alan Rudge, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Human Resources, is named after Joseph Chamberlain – one of Birmingham’s most respected Civic Leaders and is designed to reward BCC workers who go the extra mile to ensure that people of Birmingham receive quality services.

In her role as Neighbourhood Advisor, Rose set up and runs an advice drop-in service at Masefield Community Centre that provides guidance and assistance to the local community.  Initially launched as a pilot scheme, Rose has helped ensure the scheme now offers aid to the whole community through advice on housing issues, welfare rights benefits and financial enquiries, along with a host of other challenges.

Rose, who has worked with the Masefield community for the past decade says: “Working as a youth worker and neighbourhood advisor brings new challenges every day. Providing advice and pointing people in the right direction is only one element to it, there is also the need to build a strong relationship within the local community and develop people’s trust.

“Many people who visit the Masefield Advice Surgery may not be aware of what benefits or assistance they are entitled to and may not be aware of the various services that BCC provide, including housing issues and financial concerns. Helping people with such lifestyle improvements really can make all the difference and knowing you are having a positive and direct influence on someone’s life  is an extremely rewarding experience.

“The gratification I receive from the local community is the best reward I could get so to be named as a finalist in the Chamberlain Awards is an added bonus really. Knowing that my colleagues regard me so highly as to have nominated me for this award is a tremendous feeling and one I am very grateful for. I would not be able to provide this service without the co-operation and support of my manager and colleagues at Cotteridge Neighbourhood Office.”

Additionally, Rose works as a youth worker for the Ingoldsby and Masefield estate, providing activities (including art classes, cookery sessions, day trips and sport initiatives) for young people in the area.

Councillor Rudge said: “The finalists in this year’s Chamberlain Awards have shown sheer determination and a caring attitude that really makes a difference to the local community. Their achievements highlight how the work done by Birmingham City Council employees has a direct and very real impact on both the city itself and the local residents.

“Since the awards scheme began, it has always attracted a high calibre of entrants and this year the competition is stronger than ever. The awards celebrate those employees who have gone far beyond their roles to make important and beneficial contributions to the communities in which they work and it is a pleasure to read so many inspiring stories.”

Award submissions were received under ten categories, including Working with Communities, Imaginative Teamwork and Dynamic Leadership. The general public were also invited to nominate their favourite team or member of staff in the People’s Choice for Service to the Community category. This award provides people, who do not work for BCC, with the opportunity to nominate the team or member of staff that they believe most deserves recognition.

The highly anticipated annual ceremony, where the winners of Chamberlain Awards 2011 will be announced, is due to be held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre (ICC) on 11 November.