BCHA wins national housing award

Wednesday 2nd December 2009

Bournemouth-based housing and social care support provider BCHA scooped the 'Contribution to Housing and Education' award at the UK Housing Awards, beating other organisations from around the country.

BCHA won the prize for its learning and work initiatives, which help homeless and other vulnerable people overcome skills barriers and move towards independent living. The organisation's holistic approach is tailored to meet individual needs, including formal and informal learning to increase skills; meaningful occupation activities to raise people's self-esteem and confidence; and accredited training to recognise people's achievements.

Organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Inside Housing magazine, the UK Housing Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of housing organisations to improving people's lives. Now in their 13th year, the awards cover nine categories with additional prizes for outstanding achievement in housing in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England and the UK as a whole.

Winners were announced at a ceremony at the Park Lane Hilton in London, which was attended by Minister for Housing and Planning John Healey MP, hosted by broadcaster Lesley Riddoch and featured guest speaker Tim Campbell, winner of the first series of The Apprentice.

Martin Hancock, BCHA Chief Executive said: "We are delighted that BCHA's work helping homeless and other vulnerable people realise their potential has received national recognition. It is very rewarding for our clients and staff to be recognised for the great work we strive to do together. Providing housing is vital, but combining it with supporting people to develop more skills and achieve independence is essential."

Minister for Housing and Planning John Healey MP said: "I congratulate the team behind the Learning 744 project, who are showing what can be achieved despite the recession, and every winner that is delivering the very best housing and services where they are needed most."

CIH Vice President Paddy Gray said: "This project is impressive in the way it tackles worklessness and homelessness and it has demonstrated the importance of retaining experiences and learning from them. The Learning 744 project is a worthy winner."

BCHA was also a national finalist and regional winner in the National Housing Federation What We Are Proud of Awards for the "Bridge Project" based in Exeter.

BCHA's approach to learning and work received a further boost as Big Lottery recently announced Lottery funding for 3 years of over £400,000 for its personal growth programme, which will help long-term unemployed improve their chances of finding work.

Posted by 0 for Bournemouth Churches Housing Association Ltd (BCHA)