Stockport Homes delighted with national housing award win

Published by Cheryl Harrison for Stockport Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Health

Stockport Homes has been named winner of the 2011 Housing Excellence Awards in the category of Tenant Care Programme of the Year.

The Housing Excellence Awards, now in its eighth year, highlights and rewards those who are leading the way in the social housing sector.

The winners were revealed at an awards evening on 11 May 2011 at Lancashire County Cricket Club, Manchester.

The event has grown from strength to strength over the years, with ever-increasing audiences and a consistently high calibre of nominations. Stockport Homes beat off competition from 60 other housing providers.

The award entry for Stockport Homes was for the Family Interventions Project which has supported 15 families in the Borough.

The Family Intervention Project supports families approaching an eviction or possession order due to Anti-Social Behaviour affecting the wider community. Families with complex needs including substance misuse issues, domestic abuse, offending behaviour, parenting issues, non-attendance at school or college, vehicle crime etc. and experiencing physical or mental health issues have been supported via a behaviour support contract which has to be adhered to by the family, the Family Intervention Project workers and all other agencies involved with the family.

The project has involved a mixed model of floating support to families in their own homes and ground breaking, innovative Family Interventions Tenancies, whereby the family moves to a fresh home for a fresh start with intense support.

Elaine Dishong, Director of Housing Need and Support Services congratulated the team and said: “I’m so proud of the team, they have worked so hard to help these 15 families within Stockport. They’ve helped improve these families’ futures and also those of their neighbours, and it’s great to see all the hard work recognised.”

Kath Jones, Stockport Homes’ Resettlement Manager said of winning this prestigious award: “I am very happy that our Family Intervention Project Officers’ enthusiasm, professionalism, dedication and expertise has been recognised. To experience a family thriving, taking a pride in their surroundings, the children attending school and a reduction in Anti-Social Behaviour that had affected the neighbourhood, has been a reward in itself. To win this Award is a well-deserved accolade for the team’s hard work and enthusiasm.”