Lavender Court Extra care scheme wins regional award
Our partner Chevin Housing were delighted when on Saturday 6th June 2009, Lavender Court won the National Housing Federations regional ‘What we are proud of awards’. Lavender Court has been developed in partnership with Berneslai Homes, Barnsley Council and Bramall Construction.
Presentations by finalists took place at the regional awards conference at York Railway Museum with Lavender Court winning the award for the Yorkshire and Humberside Region.
Chevin Housing put forward Lavender Court for the award because of the difference it has made to people’s lives both within the scheme and the local community. Lavender Court was part of a wider regeneration project on the Kendray estate and the work included an award winning apprentice scheme where local youngsters built 2 of the extra care bungalows. Of the 50 apprentices, 45 went on to gain employment with the other 5 continuing to train to gain further qualifications.
Norma Chapman and Roy Hatton, both residents at Lavender Court told attendees at the conference how it had changed their lives in so many different ways. Lorna Shaw, aged 7, a regular visitor to her Great Grandma Margaret, told everyone that her Grandma has more friends than she has now and she is no longer afraid of older people and people with disabilities.
Steve Close, Chief Executive of Chevin said “We are delighted that Lavender Court won the award, everyone at Chevin is proud of what has been achieved in the regeneration of Kendray in partnership with Barnsley Council, Berneslai Homes and Bramall Construction. The scheme itself is very popular and the facilities which are open to the local community are well used. It is very satisfying to hear residents talk of how it has significantly improved their quality of life”.
It was a great day celebrating the housing sectors success stories across the region and Lavender Court will now go through to the National finals in September.
Councillor Bill Newman, Barnsley Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Development is delighted with this great news and stated “The development of the Lavender Court extra care scheme has proved to be an exciting and very welcome housing option for Barnsley residents. Barnsley Council is delighted that Chevin Housing Association has won this award, highlighting the excellent facilities this scheme has to offer and the way such outstanding partnerships have developed to aid the regeneration of the Kendray estate.”
Julie Gamble, National Housing Federation Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Manager said "The What We Are Proud Of Awards were established by the National Housing Federation to showcase the diverse range of projects and initiatives housing associations are involved in. This year the standard of entries has been exceptionally high. The scheme has had a fantastic impact on the lives of many individuals and in the wider community. It showcases that housing associations are about so much more than bricks and mortar. They are working at the very heart of communities, investing in neighbourhoods, making a positive and substantial difference in the region. Chevin Housing really do have a great deal to be proud of."
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