A County Durham based employability programme project that helps tackle unemployment is going through to the finals of the National Housing Federation’s Community Impact Awards this summer.
livin Futures, run by livin, was confirmed as the regional winner in the ‘Better Investing in People’ category at an awards event in York.
It will now go up against other regional winners in the national finals in London on 12th June.
Since livin futures was launched in 2010 it has supported over 2,000 unemployed people on pathway to employment programmes with over 150 people gaining additional skills and over 120 people securing jobs or apprenticeships as a result.
The progamme is estimated to have generated £1,000,000 in additional spend to the local community alongside social benefits by helping people to raise aspirations and become socially included.
More than 60 housing association projects were shortlisted for the Federation’s awards, which celebrate the difference that England’s housing associations make through creating opportunities and bringing local communities together.
Alan Boddy, executive director, people and communities at livin said: “livin futures plays an important role in our communities and we’re committed to investing and developing the programme further.
“The award is testament to the hard work that has been put into developing the programme over the past four years and we’re really starting the see the positive impact it is having locally.”
David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, added: “The event saw this project go up against some serious competition, and they have done extremely well to come out with one of our regional awards.
“The tension is mounting as winners from our events in Birmingham, Bristol, London, Manchester and York come together for the national finals in just over a month’s time. We wish them all the very best of luck.”
Pictured above:
Back Row (left to right): Peter Allen, Foundation of Light, Camilla Race Bishop Auckland College, Maria Ord, Malcolm Gray all livin
Front row (left to right) Colin Steel, CEO of livin, Alan Boddy executive director people and communities at livin, Vicky Miller Business Development Manager, livin, Helen Johnson livin Future Manager, Helen Darby Head of HR and Business Development livin and Lauren Thompson Marketing and Digital Manager, livin.
