search
date/time
Yorkshire Times
A Voice of the Free Press
frontpagebusinessartscarslifestylefamilytravelsportsscitechnaturefictionCartoons
12:06 PM 1st April 2019
family

Standing Ovation For Tenant Of The Year Hayley

 
Hayley Carroll (L) and James Haigh  community investment manager, Yorkshire Housing
Hayley Carroll (L) and James Haigh community investment manager, Yorkshire Housing
Skipton woman Hayley Carroll, who started up a community campaign to promote men’s mental health in memory of her brother, has been announced as winner of the Tenant of the Year at a national awards ceremony.

Hayley received a standing ovation during her acceptance speech to the audience at the Tpas Awards, (a tenant engagement specialist group) The presenter for the event was Olympian Diane Modhal.

Hayley established her community campaign shortly after her younger brother Samuel took his own life in May 2016. A few days after his death, the brightest rainbow shone over the woodlands where Samuel was found, so she created “Samuel’s Rainbow”

Hayley wanted something positive to come out of her experience by encouraging young men to talk about their mental health. Through her regular “Sunday Social’ events she brings people together in Skipton one Sunday a month to discuss issues in an informal environment. It has about a dozen families that attend regularly and does a great deal to support mental health in her community. Hayley has also helped to fundraise for a local café that helps people with mental health issues.

Hayley also previously started a petition to government to raise awareness and provide more help to young men with mental health issues, which attracted more than 10,000 signatures.

Hayley likes talking about Samuel, keeping his memory alive, and the work she does allows her to do this. The motto of Samuel’s Rainbow is ‘Even though you’re fed up you’ve got to keep your head up.’

Hayley Carroll, founder of Samuel’s Rainbow and winner of the Tpas Awards 2019, said:

“I’m really proud to have awarded the Tenant of the Year at the Tpas Awards. Samuel’s Rainbow encourages males to speak up and let their feelings be known to their family. I always said that Sam wouldn’t be another statistic, his story can and will help to save other people’s lives.”

James Haigh, community investment manager, Yorkshire Housing said:

“Hayley works tirelessly on Samuel’s Rainbow and really deserves this award. She has promoted some great things up in Skipton and helped lots of families to come together and talk openly. The standing ovation she received on stage shows how highly people feel about the work she is doing.”

Also nominated in the Inspirational Young Tenant of the Year category were Hayley’s nephews Skyler & Ellis Carroll. The boys were inspired by their aunt Hayley, who wanted to raise people’s awareness of the impact of mental health on young men.

The boys get involved in Samuel’s Rainbow as much as possible and assist with a range of activities within their neighbourhood. They help so much and try so hard at Samuel’s Rainbow fundraisers and never stop.

Hayley is also arranging an awareness and fundraising event, with special guest star Frank Bruno on 24 May in Skipton, which will also mark Samuel’s third anniversary.

The Tpas Awards showcase the compelling and inspirational success stories of tenants, landlords and contractors working together across the communities of England. They are an opportunity for social housing providers and tenants across the UK to be recognised for their excellent work, sharing their best practice amongst the sector.