WWHC has secured notable recognition for its considerable achievements from The Prime Minister, David Cameron, who announced he has honoured WWHC with The Big Society Award. This is the first occasion a Scottish organisation has won this prestigious award.
This significant award recognises WWHC’s considerable efforts over the past decades in transforming West Whitlawburn from a previously crime ridden, dampness infested estate with little optimism or hope to the bright, dynamic, energetic, proud community it is today.
The award submission was supported by Tom Greatrex MP and James Kelly MSP who fully recognise WWHC’s achievements and are very supportive of what WWHC does. WWHC believes that the concept of The Big Society Award is akin to The Co-operative model of community self help and community self determination. The physical and social transformation of West Whitlawburn over the years has been incredible.
Founder member and WWHC Treasurer, Muriel Alcorn said “If in 1989, when we started, I thought we would achieve half of what we have achieved I would have been very proud. To see what we have done and look back at all the hard work of Committee and Staff over the years is very satisfying. It is a true endorsement of The Co-operative Model, and this achievement in 2012, the Year of International Co-operation, is fantastic news”
The Prime Minister David Cameron added: “I am delighted that in West Whitlawburn Housing Co-operative we finally have our first Scottish winner of a Big Society Award. After 23 years of working to improve life for the local community I am pleased that the charity is receiving recognition for all that it has done and I was pleased to be able to welcome some of its members to 10 Downing Street recently to celebrate their success. The Co-op was set up to improve conditions on the estate and its achievements are visible to the whole community, from refurbishing existing homes to creating a community centre and installing CCTV across the area. This is a fantastic example of the Big Society and I hope they inspire many more groups from Scotland.”
