
Housing awards recognise councils and charities that help folks to dwell independently – AT At present

The winners of the Nationwide Wholesome Housing Awards 2024 that remember the inspirational achievements of frontline workers, council groups, and charities in supporting folks to dwell independently have been introduced.
Organised by Foundations, the UK Authorities-funded nationwide physique for the Disabled Services Grant (DFG) and residential enchancment businesses (HIAs), the fifth yr of the Nationwide Wholesome Housing Awards honoured those that work tirelessly to help folks to dwell independently. PROCare sponsored the awards.
The occasion was a particular ceremony that highlighted the efforts of these working within the sector who guarantee older and disabled folks dwell in protected and accessible properties.
The judges assessed entries submitted for eleven classes from throughout England, with winners being awarded on the Stoller Corridor in Manchester on 19 December 2024.
We Care House Enhancements received the House Enchancment Company of the Yr 2024 award, which was sponsored by AKW, for its focused initiatives, significantly in hospital discharge and hoarding help. The judges thought that its service vary and use of partnerships was very sturdy.
Norwich Metropolis Council House Enchancment Group received DFG House Variations Service of the Yr 2024. The judging panel recognised the HIA for its distinctive DFG variations service.
A particular commendation additionally went to Lancaster House Enchancment Company, which offers a well-integrated adaptation service, supporting shoppers with each DFGs and minor variations by means of a ‘one cease store’ mannequin. Its methods, together with direct referrals and an in-house OT, have decreased exterior dependence and accelerated supply timelines, enhancing consumer satisfaction and price effectivity.
Sarah Coltart, from Nottinghamshire County Council, was awarded Caseworker of the Yr, sponsored by Stiltz, for her spectacular dedication to supporting households by means of advanced adaptation processes.
Grace Bradley-Cox acquired a commendation of excellence for her impactful and progressive work, particularly in difficult hospital discharge and housing instances.
Recognised for Excellent Achievement for 2024, sponsored by Millbrook Healthcare, Lancaster HIA Hospital Discharge picked up the award for this class. The service has established a rapid-response system to help well timed hospital discharges by resolving housing-related obstacles.
Lancaster HIA’s House 1st emergency response and integration with hospital workers has saved an estimated £241,600 by means of expedited discharges and decreased mattress days. This spectacular monetary and operational impression illustrates the worth of embedding housing help in hospital discharge groups.
Alison Walker was topped as Housing Occupational Therapist of the Yr, sponsored by Stannah. Alison’s work as OT Supervisor at Dorset’s Unbiased Residing Centre (ILC) exemplifies innovation, dedication, and impression. Her achievements in selling the ILC to the general public and throughout well being and social care sectors have elevated accessibility and consciousness, demonstrating her efficient management and neighborhood engagement.
The judges additionally wished to award Barbara Wingrove a commendation of excellence. Barbara’s work with Essex County Council’s Kids and Younger Individuals with Disabilities Service displays a formidable strategic strategy. Barbara has efficiently carried out self-help sources, decreasing demand on OT companies by empowering households to handle less complicated instances independently. Her lively collaboration within the Behaviours of Concern steerage has furthered her contributions past her quick group, impacting apply at a nationwide stage.
The Social Housing Variations Service of the Yr Award 2024, sponsored by Altro, was offered to Eastlight Group Properties Aids and Variations Group. This award recognises noteworthy practices within the supply of variations in social housing. The judges praised Eastlight’s in-house OT service and emphasis on well timed, customer-centric variations. Its adaptive approaches have been applauded as very sturdy.
The Housing Variations and Help Group at Stoke-on-Trent Metropolis Council was offered with the award for Excellence within the Design of Variations, sponsored by Invisible Creations and PROCare. The judges have been extremely impressed by the HIA’s photographic proof on this entry. The group showcased innovation and aesthetic in residence variations. The choose’s praised the usage of useful but fantastically built-in variations within the residence atmosphere.
The winner of Contractor of the Yr 2024, sponsored by Impey, was High Notch Contractors, which delivers high-quality work with a commendable concentrate on buyer satisfaction.
For Handyperson Service of the Yr 2024, the Middlesbrough Cell Adapt and Mend Service was awarded for its accomplishments, together with over 4,300 accomplished referrals and impactful leads to areas like telecare and minor variations, supported by a dependable recycling program for step models.
Stuart McMinn, from Westmorland and Furness Council, was named Technical Officer of the Yr 2024. The award was sponsored by Impey. Stuart’s work demonstrated distinctive innovation and dedication, significantly in managing advanced instances that required superior problem-solving. His architectural and building background enabled him to design tailor-made options for shoppers, similar to a customized through-floor raise and level-access bathe for a household dwelling in a B&B. Stuart’s proactive strategy, together with arranging showrooms and digital previews for shoppers, confirmed his dedication to consumer satisfaction and his thorough communication expertise.
Richard Harris, from Manchester Gear and Variations Partnership, and Amy Servini, from Westmorland and Furness Council, each acquired a particular commendation. The judges wished to recognise their efforts and excellence all through 2024. Amy’s position as a housing specialist is essential in making certain efficient supply of DFG companies, significantly for kids’s instances, the place her empathetic strategy has been invaluable. Richard brings intensive expertise and sensible expertise from his plumbing and constructing background to his position, enabling him to deal with advanced, high-need instances with confidence.
The winner of the Sustainability in House Variations Award 2024 was Telford & Wrekin Council for the sustainable residence variations delivered by the group over the previous yr and its ongoing dedication to a greener future. The council has developed a framework in order that precious variations gear is reused reasonably than discarded, decreasing environmental impression and maximising the environment friendly use of sources.
Annually, the Foundations Unbiased Residing Belief (FILT) board selects an excellent company that has persistently contributed to the sector. This yr the winner of the FILT award was Comfortable Vitality. Comfortable Vitality has made excellent commitments to Gasoline Secure all through 2024. Its work has been instrumental in safeguarding properties and households in addition to making a optimistic distinction in general neighborhood wellbeing.
RCOT Specialist Housing Part was offered with a particular award from Rachel Russell, Senior Regional Advisor at Foundations, in the course of the ceremony. Foundations wished to recognise the distinctive occupational therapists who’ve been a part of this group, recognising their vital contributions to the career and the housing sector. The members of this part have performed a significant position in advancing the understanding of how occupational therapists can contribute to housing inside native authorities.
Their experience and dedication have demonstrated the distinction occupational therapists could make when concerned in housing design and adaptation, enhancing accessibility and enabling people to dwell independently. Their efforts have proven that efficient collaboration between housing and occupational remedy companies is important to creating dwelling environments that help well being, well-being, and high quality of life. A standout side of their contribution is the best way they’ve influenced nationwide coverage.
Paul Smith, Director of Foundations, stated: “Having labored within the housing and variations sector for over 30 years, I can actually say it’s a privilege to be a part of one thing that makes an actual distinction to folks’s lives each single day. Sure, it may be difficult at instances, nevertheless it’s additionally extremely rewarding—and I actually imagine it’s top-of-the-line sectors to work in.
“That’s why internet hosting the Nationwide Wholesome Housing Awards is so particular. It’s an opportunity to shine a highlight on the folks and organisations who go above and past, celebrating the dedication, innovation, and fervour that drive this sector ahead. Recognising these achievements is an honour, and we’re proud to rejoice the impression they’ve had on so many lives.”
Final yr, the winners of the British Healthcare Trades Trade Awards 2024 have been introduced throughout eight classes.
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