A housing and training project for service leavers at
risk of homelessness has been shortlisted for a national
award.
The Single Persons Accommodation Centre for
the Ex-Services (SPACES), managed by Riverside ECHG, has been named
as a finalist in the Specialist Landlord of the Year category at
the UK Housing Awards.
SPACES is Riverside’s accommodation placement
service for single veterans discharged from the Armed Forces, and
existing veterans. Since its inception in September 2000, it has
helped over 10,500 veterans.
In addition to SPACES, Riverside ECHG also operate
two specialist, training and support schemes - Mike Jackson House
in Aldershot and The Beacon
(pictured) at Catterick Garrison - and have a Housing
Worker based at the Military Corrective Training Centre in
Colchester,
Trevor Morris, Riverside ECHG’s Ministry of
Defence Area Manager, said: “SPACES provides a valuable service to
help veterans, some of whom have served in recent conflicts,
reintegrate into civilian life and reduce the risk of them becoming
homeless.
“We are delighted to be shortlisted for
another accolade after The Beacon won the Award for Partnership
Working at last year’s Regeneration and Renewal Awards.”
The awards, which recognise outstanding work
by housing organisations to improve the lives of people in their
communities, are organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing
(CIH) and Inside Housing magazine.
Now in their 17th year, this year’s
awards attracted more than 300 entries from all over the UK.
Charted Institute of Housing Chief Executive
Grainia Long said: “The UK Housing Awards are about celebrating the
dedication and commitment of organisations and professionals across
the industry.
“They not only recognise success, they also
give housing providers the opportunity to learn from each others’
excellent work and innovation. For CIH, they help us to fulfil our
role in maintaining, improving and promoting standards in an
increasingly challenging environment.
“The quality of the entries we’ve received
this year is evident from the fantastic standard of the finalists,
and I’d like to congratulate all the organisations that have been
shortlisted. Their work can inspire us all.”
Stuart Macdonald, Editor of Inside Housing,
said: “The quality of the entries rose again this year so even to
get this far is an amazing achievement. In the face of some really
stiff competition, Riverside ECHG has shown it is performing at the
highest level - well done!”
The winners will be announced on 16 April.
For more information visit http://www.spaces.org.uk/ and
follow Trevor Morris on Twitter
@TheBeaconear