Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) are celebrating New Homes Manager Julie Nicholas’ win at the 2019 national Housing Heroes Awards. The awards held on Monday 24 June, by The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Inside Housing, celebrates the unsung heroes that make housing great.

Winning the award for Exceptional Contribution by a CIH Member, Julie was praised for her; outstanding professional achievement, integrity, contributions to her organisation and community and ongoing commitment to the housing sector.

Nominated by fellow MHA colleagues, Julie’s 25 year career has seen her excel across the housing sector, undertaking a variety of roles from Support Officer, Homelessness Project Worker, Housing Officer and CIH Policy & Public Affairs Manager, to her current role as MHA’s New Homes Manager.

Julie has continued her dedication to housing outside of work, sitting on the board of Cynon Taff Community Housing, as well as helping shape housing policy in Wales, participating in the steering group for the Renting Homes (Wales) and setting up the cross Wales Policy Officer network. Combining her passion and advocacy for housing and women’s issues, Julie was one of the founders and current chair of Housing Women Cymru.

Julie Nicholas said: “Working and volunteering in housing continues to inspire me every day. I was shocked and delighted to win this award and I would like to say a big thank you to the people at MHA who nominated me.”

“I’ve been employed by MHA since 2016, and have been a Chartered Institute of Housing Chartered Member for more than 15 years. I work with an awesome group of people in the New Homes team, and I know my housing career has depended a lot on the support and enthusiasm I get from colleagues and fellow professionals, so it was just brilliant to have the team there to celebrate with me.”

John Keegan, MHA Chief Executive Officer said: “We are so proud of Julie  here at MHA, she is the consummate Housing professional, dedicated to a wide variety of causes which impact on the quality of life of our tenants and a real leader to her team and colleagues. It’s so satisfying when someone as deserving as Julie gets recognised.”

Michele Morgan, Director of Housing and Communities said: “I’m thrilled for Julie and lucky enough to work with her on a daily basis and get to see first-hand what a dedicated, talented and passionate housing professional she is.”

“She is totally committed to the sector and always gives 100% to improving tenants’ lives whilst delivering first class services. This award gives Julie the recognition she deserves and we are very lucky to have her in the Welsh housing sector.”