RedWelly scoops award
11 June 2008
RedWelly, the Derby-based innovative social franchise that transforms gardens for the benefit of local communities, has struck gold! It was pronounced the winner of the National Housing Federation’s Regional ‘What we are Proud Of’ Award and will now go through to the national final to be held at the National Housing Federation Annual Conference in September.
This is a new category that has been added to the annual Neighbourhood Awards, which gives Board Members and Residents the chance to nominate an outstanding housing association-run project, which has improved the lives of people in their local community over the last two years.
The competition showcases the schemes and initiatives of which organisations are most proud.
RedWelly, which operates within Spirita Ltd, works in partnership with social landlords and businesses for the benefit of the whole community by undertaking ‘garden makeovers’. It was one three short-listed for the award by a panel of housing association tenants from across the Midlands.
Phil Smith, Spirita’s Business Growth Director and Director of RedWelly, said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to see the value of our work acknowledged in this way. It will give everyone some renewed vigour for the series of projects that we have coming up over the next few months.
“It’s particularly pleasing that the judging panel was made up of board members and residents from housing associations across the Midlands, which is praise indeed.
“I also hope that it will encourage more business partners to join us for one of our unforgettable team building days and I would like to thank all those who have supported us over the last few years who have undoubtedly helped us win this award.”
Gina King, Head of Region for the National Housing Federation said: 'The National Housing Federation Neighbourhood Awards showcase the positive work that Housing Associations do, and the major contribution they make to the communities which they serve.
“The RedWelly project proves that working with communities at all levels really does enhance the life of many people. My congratulations go to Spirita and I wish them every luck when they represent the region at our National Awards ceremony in September.'
Originally supported by funding from the EU via Derby City Partnership, RedWelly has evolved into to a fully sustainable social enterprise organisation by offering local businesses a team-building opportunity with a difference.
With the increasing move towards corporate responsibility, private sector employers have responded very positively and sales of team-building days and sponsorship agreements have generated the income to sustain the project.
The success of the concept in the East Midlands means that RedWelly Franchises are now available to social landlords and other community-based projects.
Media Enquiries: Sallie Blair, Better Times, 01283 821012.