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Top awards for Salford's housing services






Posted by Tony Flynn on 5th March 2010 at 01:53 PM
Top awards for Salford's housing services
Salford City Council’s Homes Improvement Agency has been recognised for its outstanding achievement in helping residents to live in their homes independently.

The agency has picked up three national awards for the housing support it provides to vulnerable and older people in Salford.

One member of the team, Sandra Mardell who has worked with the city council for five years won an individual outstanding contribution award for her commitment to the sector over the past 23 years.

Manager Sandra works with a range of residents including older and disabled people, and families on a low income or benefits to help them to stay in their homes.

This could be by helping with repairs or adaptations and improvements to their homes.

The agency also received a certificate of merit at the National Home Improvement Council Awards for its Salford Heating Installer Partnership.

The Salford Heating Installer Partnership (SHIP) is an innovative project developed by Salford City Council Home Improvement Agency and the Affordable Warmth team.

It aims to address the issues around fuel poverty, tackle health inequalities, improve living conditions and quality of life by helping vulnerable households’ access government grants to install efficient heating systems and home insulation.

It also improves customer waiting times for people in a situation where their health condition could be exacerbated due to lengthy timescales for heating repairs or installations to be carried out.

Separately, the team was commended under the category 'excellence in engaging in health and care' for showing best practice for its housing services to people who may be recovering from an illness or injury.

Sandra said: "Each one of these awards represents a team effort and I'd like to thank everyone for all their hard work they put in day-in, day-out.

"The work we do helps people who may be in challenging circumstances to stay in their homes and it's nice that we've been recognised nationally for doing a good job."

The agency was presented with its award at a special awards lunch and ceremony held in the Gladstone Library in London.

Councillor Peter Connor, Salford City Council's lead member for housing added: “This is a massive achievement for the Home Improvement Agency and it's good news for residents that the services provided by their city council are setting national examples and that our staff are dedicated to what they do."


Photo: Sandra Mardell and Andy Chapling

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