Celebrations were in full swing at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham last night (Thursday 9 February) where Housing 21 won the award for Most Innovative Financial Support Scheme at the Housing Digital Innovation Awards.

Pictured (left to right): Nicola Morris (Wellbeing Lead), Nikki-Leigh Dipper (Strategic Operations Officer), Zoey Stanton (Regional Operations Manager), Cressida Stanley-Williams (Strategic Operations Manager) and John Simmonds (Respect and Inclusion Lead) 

The awards celebrate the dedication, talent and drive of those who strive to make UK housing a place of continuous innovation and excellence.

The Financial Support Scheme recognises the important role housing organisations have played to support their residents with financial guidance, Housing 21 proudly launched the Helping Hands initiative two years ago. Through the initiative, residents can apply for a grant of up to £250 to aid them financially with an unexpected event or emergency. Since the launch of the grant in April this year, over 800 applications have been received to support residents. The initiative also helps to train Scheme Managers to provide them with the knowledge and tools to act as Tenancy Gurus who can offer financial assistance to their residents. 

Nikki-Leigh Dipper, Strategic Operations Officer at Housing 21, said: “Every employee has an important role to play in making a difference to our residents’ lives. We are proud of the support we have put in place for our residents. We believe that housing providers have a key role to play in helping older people – not only through increasing the provision of quality, affordable housing, but by expanding their role to be more than landlords.” 

Pictured (left to right): Nikki-Leigh Dipper (Strategic Operations Officer), Cressida Stanley-Williams (Strategic Operations Manager), Nicola Morris (Wellbeing Lead), John Simmonds (Respect and Inclusion Lead) and Zoey Stanton (Regional Operations Manager)

The Housing Digital Innovation Awards recognise organisations that are making a difference in the housing sector, with the award showcasing Housing 21 as an organisation that is delivering high quality homes and services for older people.

The leading national provider of Extra Care and Retirement Living for older people of modest means was also nominated for Most Innovative Approach to Culture and Wellbeing. In last year’s awards, Housing 21 scooped gold for the most innovative supported/sheltered housing scheme for the flagship Extra Care scheme, Meadow Walk in Fakenham.  

Housing 21 strives to be an excellent employer and an employer of choice, alongside wellbeing, introducing an exciting development of work, which has been the creation of a Respect and Inclusion Charter, comprising of four standards to cultivate and embed inclusivity across the organisation.

Housing 21 supports independence for older people, providing quality housing and care, managing over 22,000 properties, and providing over 38,000 hours of social care each week.