It was another milestone in the life of the Aasha Project as it picked up the award for ‘Best Community Project 2009’.  The Awards were organised by the Community Safety Services (CSS) at LBTH in order “to recognise [peoples] contribution, and to highlight achievement, innovation and best practice in the field of crime reduction.”

The Aasha Peer Workers and staff attended the event at the Town Hall along with many other projects who have been working throughout the year in addressing crime and safety in the Borough.  Special guests included Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Policing, Security and Crime but also local leaders such as the leader of the Council and the Chief Executive.

The gathering was officiated by Andy Bamber, Head of CSS.  It began with reception at 6.30 and an opportunity for all the winners to meet one another, followed by the awards ceremony and finally dinner together at 8.30.

Project Co-ordinator, Muhammad Rabbani was delighted to receive the award: “This award carries an enormous meaning for all of us at Aasha for three reasons: a) It is an acknowledgement of the hard work, dedication and commitment of the team b) it is recognition that the model that the project has been employing is achieving success and c) it is appreciation of the young people of the project, the peer workers, who are the beneficiaries and at the same time the leaders of the project.”

When asked what he felt about the award, Aasha Peer Worker, Razaull Ahmed commented: “It is excellent to know that the effort and hard work of Aasha Project is appreciated, although the recognition was not our objective.  So ‘Brilliant’ I guess!”