CBH community investment team attending the virtual Tpas awards 2020
The community investment team at Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH) has won at the national Tpas 2020 awards.
The amazing achievement was reinforced by being named finalists in not one, but three categories including; ‘Team of the year 2020’, the Strive programme in the ‘Excellence in employment, skills and training award – under 10,000 homes’, and a Young Tenant from St Pauls was shortlisted in the ‘Inspirational young tenant of the year award’.The team are delighted with the win for the fantastic Strive programme in the ‘Excellence in employment, skills and training award – under 10,000 homes’ category.
Councillor Peter Jeffries, cabinet member for housing, Cheltenham Borough Council said: “It’s not a surprise to me the team won this award. I had the pleasure of being part of the dragons’ den for the Strive programme and got to see first-hand the difference it was making to the lives of those who took part.
“The committed work of the team helped get individuals back into work via self-employment or general employment, by assisting them to gain the valuable skills they needed to pursue their goals. This project has had such positive outcomes for those who attended and for the wider community.”
Caroline Walker, head of community services, Cheltenham Borough Homes added: “The Strive programme had a range of benefits including the formation of a networking group and improvement to health and well-being.
“Eleven tenants have since started businesses, with CBH providing loans for five. Two tenants are employed full-time, a result of new confidence and skills and CBH continue to work with ten tenants aiming to start businesses. Eighty per cent felt Strive was a life-changing experience, and those who took part now engage in CBH activities and volunteer regularly. Businesses helped include translating, an electrician, yoga, life coaches and gardening, which all help other tenants in the area and strengthen communities.”
The Tpas awards are the only awards dedicated to recognising and rewarding engagement excellence and best practice in the housing sector. They celebrate excellent tenant engagement and showcase the work of volunteers, housing staff and contractors who bring lasting change to communities.
Jenny Osbourne MBE, chief executive – Tpas, said: “The Tpas awards is our opportunity to celebrate the incredible work, done by people who always say they are ‘just doing their job’ or ‘I just want to make my neighbourhood better’ despite the huge pressures on volunteers, landlords and contractors.
“Our awards and nominees embody the positive, partnership working ethos that Tpas is here to champion, celebrating remarkable people doing remarkable things.”
Excellence in employment, skills and training award – under 10,000 homes’,
Contact the press office on communications@cheltenham.gov.uk | 0800 408 0000