24/06/2014 - Permalink

Shropshire housing organisation shortlisted for national award

Related topics: Community / Partner organisations

News from our partners Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing

Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing has just been nominated for a national housing award at the National Federation of Almos (NFA) annual awards.

The NFA awards recognise the most innovative projects from around the country, and honour the commitment and dedication of ALMOs (Arms-Length Management Organisations) staff who work hard to create sustainable homes and successful communities.  The awards also celebrate ALMOs’ working partnerships with others to create opportunities to improve the quality of life for their tenants and residents.  Overall there are 34 finalists and 10 categories.

Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing is one of four finalists nominated in the “Managing the Impact of Welfare Reform through Financial Inclusion” award category, along with Homes for Northumberland, South Tyneside Homes and Tower Hamlets.

The housing organisation became one of England’s newest ALMOs when it took over the management of Shropshire Council’s housing stock in April 2013.  It was also a member of the recent Direct Payment Demonstration Project across Shropshire, which saw housing benefit paid directly to tenants rather than landlords, and the learning is being used to influence how best to support tenants in readiness for Universal Credit.

Sue Adams, Managing Director of Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing, said:

“I am absolutely delighted that we’ve been shortlisted for this award.  We put a huge amount of time and effort into helping tenants who may be experiencing financial hardship to obtain access to the right information and support.  This is such brilliant news, especially as we are only in our second year.  To be recognised is a sign that we’re going about things the right way.”

Caroline Morris, Financial Inclusion Officer of Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing, said:

“I’m extremely excited that we’ve been shortlisted for the award; it’s great that we’ve been recognised for the work we do with our partners at a local level, and is a good opportunity for us all to share what works well with other organisations.  Some of the ideas can be life-changing for tenants, and I’m lucky to have such a  rewarding role within the business.”

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on the evening of Wednesday 16 July 2014 at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

For more information about the awards visit http://www.almos.org.uk/awards.php.

For more information about Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing visit the website at www.starhousing.org.uk.  You can also follow us on Facebook by searching for “Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing” or on twitter @star_housing.

Further information

Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing is one of 34 finalists to be nominated for the NFA awards.  The awards ceremony will form part of the NFA 2014 Annual Conference: Building on Firm Foundation.  Categories are:

Best new build scheme

Sponsored by Campbell Tickell
  • Barnet Homes
  • Solihull Community Housing
  • The Gateshead Housing Company

Managing energy efficiency and fuel poverty

Sponsored by Utilita Energy Limited
  • Homes for Northumberland
  • Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing
  • Poole Housing Partnership
  • South Tyneside Homes

Improving the Private Rented Sector offer

Sponsored by Clarke Willmott LLP
  • Ascham Homes
  • Cornwall Housing
  • Salix Homes
  • St Leger Homes Doncaster

Integrating housing care and support

  • Homes for Northumberland
  • Solihull Community Housing
  • Your Homes Newcastle

Tackling worklessness

Sponsored by ESH Property Services
  • Northwards Housing
  • Six Town Housing
  • Wolverhampton Homes

Helping tenants prepare for Universal Credit through digital inclusion

Sponsored by Kier Services
  • Salix Homes
  • South Essex Homes
  • Stockport Homes

Managing the impact of welfare reform through financial inclusion

  • Homes for Northumberland
  • South Tyneside Homes
  • Shropshire Town and Rural Housing
  • Tower Hamlets

Most innovative social enterprise partnership

Sponsored by Wates Living Space
  • East Durham Homes
  • Stockport Homes
  • Your Homes Newcastle

Most effective communications campaign

Sponsored by Resource Housing
  • East Kent Housing
  • Stockport Homes
  • Wolverhampton Homes

Apprentice of the year

  • Salix Homes – Daniel Livesey
  • St Leger Homes Doncaster – Lloyd Marshall
  • Welwyn Hatfield CHT – Jamie Norman
  • Wolverhampton Homes – Shadrack Mbatha.