A Sanctuary Supported Housing scheme for teenage parents in Grays, Essex is a finalist in the Thurrock District Business Awards.
Ruth House, a nine-bed scheme for mums-to-be and mothers and babies, is through to the finals of the Excellent Customer Service category in the awards, for companies and organisations which demonstrate the highest standards of customer care and service.
The annual awards, organised by the Thurrock Gazette, are designed to help local businesses to gain the recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication.
The team from Ruth House have been invited to a black tie ceremony at the Civic Hall in Blackshots, Thurrock on Friday 19th March, where they will find out if the scheme has won its category.
There are 31 categories in total. Each winner will star in a feature in the Thurrock Gazette, receive a plaque and presentation photograph and DVD of the evening.
Project manager at Ruth House Jayne Stonely said: “We are absolutely delighted to have got through to the finals. We work incredibly hard to support our young residents to build the foundations they need to achieve their goals and give their children the best possible start in life and this is recognition for all our hard work.”
With safe and secure accommodation, the young ladies who live at Ruth House are able to focus on developing the life skills, confidence and maturity they need to live independently with their children.
They are offered a wide range of support in relation to pregnancy and parenting which is tailored to their individual needs, including healthy eating, coping with change, budgeting, caring for dependents, problem solving and communication skills. Staff at the scheme also help them to access training, education and employment opportunities so that they can achieve financial security.
The scheme provides a wide range of stimulating educational activities for its young residents, including child development and behaviour workshops, parenting groups, baby massage, sexual health talks and cookery sessions.
When the residents are ready to live more independently, Sanctuary Supported Housing, which is a member of leading UK housing Provider Sanctuary Group, has move-on accommodation for people with lower support needs.
The staff at Ruth House also work with local schools, educating students about sexual health and the realities of teenage pregnancy and parenting. |