UK Housing Award for Wythenshawe!
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) is delighted to announce that they were Highly Commended in the Outstanding Approach to Empowering Local Communities category at this year’s UK Housing Awards.
The awards, which recognise outstanding work by housing organisations to improve the lives of people in their communities, were organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Inside Housing magazine at a ceremony in London. They attracted over 250 entries from all over the UK.
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group was short listed in 2 categories - Outstanding Development of the Year (up to 24 homes) category for its apprentice-built bungalows and also the Outstanding Approach to Empowering Local Communities, sponsored by Mitie, for its Real Neighbours Project, which was Highly Commended.
The Real Neighbours project gives local volunteers the opportunity to develop their skills, improve self-esteem and reduce social isolation. Whether they are befriending an elderly neighbour, coaching a football team or reading in a primary school, Real Neighbours are empowered and supported to feel part of team, while doing great work in their community.
Nigel Wilson, Group Chief Executive of WCHG said; “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised at these prestigious awards and to be highly commended in such a strong category. We are very proud of our Real Neighbours project and would like to thank all the staff, tenants and volunteers who contributed to the project to help make this happen.”
Eddy Newman, Chair of WCHG added; “We have a strong track record in providing homes and also in community investment, so we are delighted that the work we do to improve the lives of our tenants in Wythenshawe has been recognised in this way.”
Emma Maier, editor of Inside Housing, said: “The UK Housing Awards are the longest established and most respected awards in the social housing sector. They shout about the huge impact organisations and individuals have on communities across the UK and help recognise the innovation, creativity and passion with the UK housing sector. We received a huge number of entries – over 250 this year – and the standard was incredibly high and the winners deserve all of the recognition they get.”
CIH chief executive Terrie Alafat said: “Congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted for the UK Housing Awards and of course our winners. These awards aim to recognise the great work being done by housing organisations all over the UK to improve people’s lives and communities. But they are also about raising standards and pushing our industry to keep aiming higher. A big part of our job at CIH is seeking out and sharing what works and what doesn’t – we hope the stories behind our winners and finalists will inspire fellow housing professionals and provide new ideas.”
