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Foundation’s Project Manager, Karen Little, and resident, Stephen Robinson, proudly show off their Outstanding Achievement award.
Staff and Residents at Foundations, a purpose-built housing scheme in Preston City Centre for young people and adults experiencing homelessness, are celebrating yet another prestigious award.
The scheme, part of New Progress Housing Association, has been awarded an ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award at the Britain in Bloom Neighbourhood Awards. This is the highest award available and tops the Merit award won by the scheme last year.
The Awards form part of the Department for Communities and Local Government’s drive for Cleaner Safer Greener Communities. They recognise communities that are taking responsibility and action to regenerate their local environment, and are specifically aimed at small groups of residents who are just beginning to ‘green up’ their local area.
Entrants are visited by Britain in Bloom experts who provide valuable feedback and helpful advice on how to develop and encourage on-going improvements. They are not judged against each other; instead each entry is presented with an Award of Improvement, Merit or Outstanding Achievement.
The Neighbourhood Awards aim to breathe new life into communities for the benefit of local residents.
Foundations Project Manager, Karen Little, said: “Participating in the Neighbourhood Awards has encouraged a real sense of ownership amongst the residents. The aim this year was to go one better than last. I am pleased to say that we achieved that aim and I am really proud of everyone involved.”
The Foundations scheme offers much more than just housing; it focuses on the welfare of its residents, helping and encouraging them to turn their lives around, as well as providing accommodation to a very high standard.
As part of the scheme, New Progress ensures that all residents are given support with most aspects of their life in order to get back on their feet sooner. This support includes help with managing finances and benefit claims, support with domestic and life skills, help in finding employment or pursuing further education and help with preparation for permanent housing.
