Colleagues, friends and family of ERoSH’s former director of policy and founder member Imogen Parry attended the House of Commons to celebrate her significant input into the sector.
More than 70 people attended an event on Thursday, January 27, which was sponsored by the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP.
The event was held to say thank you to Imogen for her dedication over the years to ERoSH and wish her all the best in her retirement.
Unfortunately the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP was unable to attend due to personal commitments but Chris Grayling MP attended and spoke to guests.
He said: “I understand that Imogen has dedicated much of her working life to the cause of securing better housing for older people. Indeed, she was one of the founding members of ERoSH when it was formed in 1997, and since then has used her passion for sheltered housing issues to become an influential figure in the field.
“She has represented ERoSH ably in the media, and she’s certainly managed to keep politicians and professionals on their toes – it was partly as a result of pressure from Imogen and others that the previous Government set up the Ministerial Working Group on Sheltered Housing.
“But Imogen’s work has by no means been confined to Westminster or the media village – her work at the grassroots has been equally important. I am told that she has long been an inspiration to many sheltered housing staff through her work on training and development, a role which I understand she will continue in even after her retirement.”
Other guest speakers at the event, who have worked with Imogen over the years, included former chair of ERoSH and director of operations at Metropolitan Support Trust Lucy Cooper, chief executive of Hanover Housing Bruce Moore and Domini Gunn-Peim, national lead for vulnerable communities at Audit Commission.
Imogen Parry said: “I am still glowing from the send-off I’ve been given by ERoSH trustees, members and colleagues. The event at the House of Commons was amazing – the venue, the speeches, the gifts and a beautiful card. I am extremely touched by people’s words and generosity. The presents included a Kindle, a silver and crystal container and some beautiful flowers. Thank you so much everyone who contributed to these and who wrote special messages for my card.
“I will really miss my work for ERoSH as it’s been a fundamental part of my life for about 15 years. But I will hopefully stay in touch with lots of you as friends and colleagues, and through the safeguarding training that I will continue to offer. In the meantime, thank you once again for all your support and kindness over the years and now, in my (semi) retirement.”
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