SARH in the running for two awards from organisation representing tenants

An organisation representing the customers of Housing Associations across the country has shortlisted Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) for two prestigious awards.

The Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) Central Region Awards showcase successful partnerships between landlords, contractors and their customers, and SARH is in line for accolades in the Excellence in Community Action and Excellence in Employment Skills and Training categories.

The leading Stafford-based landlord will know if it has scooped the honours at a ceremony in March when the winners in each category will also be put forward for national awards.

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, commented: “We are particularly pleased that we have been recognised by an organisation committed to customer empowerment, and everyone at SARH is delighted to have reached this stage of the competition.”

To reach the shortlists, SARH impressed TPAS judges with its Growing Health Project, which runs in partnership with Stafford Borough Council. The initiative has seen plots of disused land transformed into thriving community allotments, reducing anti-social behaviour whilst enabling local residents to improve their health by growing their own veg and working together in the fresh air.

Meanwhile the housing association’s Community Learning Programme (CLP) has been put firmly under the spotlight for the Employment Skills and Training Award. The programme aims to help SARH customers and other residents in the communities it serves to gain the skills needed to help them into employment, education or voluntary work.

“Both the CLP and Growing Health reflect our wider commitment to build stronger communities at the same time as delivering our core aim of meeting the need for quality, affordable homes in Stafford and surrounding areas,” Karen added.

Pictured getting to work on the award-shortlisted Meadow Road community allotment are (from left to right): Ruth Kewn (Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service), Sam Logan (Stafford Borough Council), Robert Lauder, Andrew Clarke, Liam Shore and Alison Poole from SARH.