National housing award for young tenant Bryony
A Falkirk tenant has recently received a national award for her work helping young people influence how local housing services across Falkirk are delivered.
Bryony O’Donnell from Denny, one of the youngest members of Falkirk Council’s Housing Service Improvement Scrutiny Group, picked up the Youth Involvement Award at this year’s Tenant Participation and Advisory Service (TPAS) Scottish awards.
The awards celebrate significant achievements in tenant participation and engagement across Scotland.
Bryony was recognised for her commitment to making housing services more accessible and inclusive for younger tenants.
Since joining the Group earlier this year, she has helped shape tenant surveys, supported tenant training, and raised important accessibility issues.
Bryony also helped the Council connect directly with young tenants through Forth Valley College, where she chaired informal lunchtime sessions to hear from students about their housing experiences.
The conversations helped identify issues and encouraged several young people to get involved further with tenant participation at Falkirk Council.
Bryony said:
I felt it was important for there to be a younger voice at the table. Of all my friends and colleagues who are under 30, none of them have ever attended meetings or given input on council decisions.
“This means all the meetings and input the council receives is skewed towards an older more settled demographic who are understandably concerned about their already established homes.
“Unfortunately, this leaves behind others like me who are in the position of looking for a home they can be proud of while navigating these tumultuous times. Giving space for them to figure out their future whether that be working towards a career whilst having affordable housing or a place they can start a family and look forward to their future.
“I’ve always wanted to help others and make a difference and I feel like going down this path I am able to be the voice for those in my generation who are struggling to find their place and get a start.
Councillor Gary Bouse, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Housing said:
Bryony has made an outstanding contribution to improving how we engage with young tenants.
“She has helped break down barriers, raised important issues, and brought fresh thinking to our housing work.
“This award is a well-earned recognition of her commitment and leadership, and we’d like to thank her for everything she’s done to involve more young people in shaping local services.
The winners were announced at an event in Clydebank on Thursday 20 June.