South Staffordshire Housing declared overall winner of NHF Neighbourhood Awards » Housing » 24dash.com

South Staffordshire Housing Association has been declared the overall winner of this year’s housing Oscars - the National Housing Federation’s Neighbourhood Awards.

The prestigious award is given to projects that demonstrates innovation, commitment to neighbourhoods, customers, excellence and evidence of improved service.

SSHA received the accolade for its Project Independent Living which drastically reduces waiting lists for adaptations for people with disabilities, enabling them to regain dignity and independence.

Sue Rowley, managing director for South Staffordshire Housing Association, said: “We aim to find common sense solutions to the challenges real people face.

"This award recognises the positive difference we can make to people’s lives when we all work together.”

Debbie Griffiths, chief executive of Central Borders Housing Group added: "This is a tremendous achievement which rewards the partnership working of the local and county councils, the service users and our own team here at SSHA.” 

South Staffordshire Housing Association, which is a part of Central Borders Housing Group, won the What We Are Proud Of category at the midlands regional finals of NHF’s Neighbourhood awards back in May.

This week they won that category nationally and were later declared overall winners of the entire 10 categories of the competition beating 35 other housing associations to first place.

Councillor Robert Marshall, Deputy Leader (Community Services) of South Staffordshire Council says: “Our partnership with South Staffordshire Housing Association on this project is proving to be a great success.

"It has not only increased the speed and the quality of service that is delivered, it has also dramatically improved the value for money we can achieve. We are pleased that this has been recognised by the National Housing Federation.”

2008 winners in full:

Overall Winner: South Staffordshire Housing Association for Project Independant Living

Best Neighbour Award: Testway Housing Limited for Testway's Community Spirit - John Cockaday

Peaceful and Better Neighbourhood Award: Bromford Group for Wychall Farm, Birmingham

Local Engagement and Involvement Award: Bromsgrove District Housing Trust  for Silver Hoodies - going for gold

Communications Award: Luminus Group for Openness and communication - the Luminus way of excellence

Independent Living and Older People Award: Sovereign Housing Association Ltd for Carnarvon Place - a new start for older people

Diversity and Race Award: Tower Hamlets Community Housing for Bucking the trend - Building better lives by reducing overcrowding

Best Neighbourhood Design Award - The Liveability test: Selwood Housing’s Studley Green Tenant and Resident Association for Rebuilding Beirut Corner & Murder Mile

Greener Neighbourhoods Award: Optima Community Association in partnership with Birmingham City Council for We love our parks!

What We Are Proud Of Award: South Staffordshire Housing Association
for Project Independant Living

Partnership Award: Black Country Housing Group for Health through Warmth

Picture: GMTV’s Lorraine Kelly celebrates with Debbie Griffiths, Chief Executive of Central Borders Housing Group (L), Sue Rowley, Managing Director of South Staffordshire Housing Association (R), David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation and Arthur Merchant of event sponsors Grant Thornton.