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The National Healthy Housing Awards 2023 celebrated the inspirational achievements of frontline staff, council teams, and charities in supporting people to live independently.
Organised by Foundations, the Government-funded national body for the Disabled Facilities Grant and Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs), the fifth year of the National Healthy Housing Awards honoured those who work tirelessly to support people to live independently.
It was another special ceremony highlighting the efforts of those working in the sector who ensure vulnerable and disabled people live in safe and accessible homes.
The judges assessed entries submitted for eleven categories from across England, with winners being awarded at the National Football Museum in Manchester on 5th December 2023.
The awards were sponsored by PROCare.

Home Improvement Agency of the Year
Wolverhampton Homes HIA won the Home Improvement Agency of the Year 2023 award with their impressive entry.
It showcased a successful collaborative and holistic approach and great joined-up thinking. The agency’s utilisation of technology ensures future-proof adaptations that benefit Wolverhampton’s residents far and wide whilst saving the NHS a huge amount of money. The judging panel was unanimous in wanting to award the agency HIA of the Year.
This award was sponsored by AKW.

DFG Home Adaptation Service of the Year 2023
Oxford City Council won DFG Home Adaptations Service of the Year 2023. The judging panel agreed that the HIA delivered an exceptional DFG adaptations service that betters the lives of many.
Strategically, the team has worked hard to identify emerging needs of the Better Care Fund including innovative hospital discharge solutions, winter planning and reducing the risk of falls.
A special commendation also went to Middlesborough Staying Put Agency which has developed an adaptations service dedicated to the strategic priorities of the Better Care Fund.
This award was sponsored by PROCare.

Caseworker of the Year
Danielle Syers, from Rochdale Home Improvement Agency, was awarded Caseworker of the Year in recognition of her advocacy and dedication to children’s wellbeing.
Her entry demonstrated a true example of changing the lives of others. Commended for her empathetic communication, her colleague’s admiration and her stories impressed the judging panel who agreed that the entry was a true testament to a hero in the housing sector.
Hanna Bagnall, Westmorland and Furness Council and Jane Leaming, Longhurst Group received a commendation of excellence.
The judges wanted to recognise the application of extensive knowledge and empathy demonstrated in both entries.
This award was sponsored by Stiltz.

Outstanding Achievement for 2023
Recognised for Outstanding Achievement for 2023, Amelia Morphet picked up the award for this category. Amelia has consistently demonstrated her commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes, even during challenging times. She has made a profound impact on healthy housing.
The judges also wanted to give two special commendations to the Rekindle Team and See & Solve. The panel recognised the significant work of both organisations and their team efforts to deliver excellent services.
This award was sponsored by Stannah.

Housing Occupational Therapist of the Year
Neil Withnell, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust was crowned as Housing Occupational Therapist of the Year with two entries. Described as an asset to the team and having single-handedly accomplished many great outcomes in 2023, Neil’s dedication impressed the entire judging panel. His efforts have resulted in the fast-tracking of adaptations for many living with deteriorating conditions.
The judges also wanted to award Julie Thomas, Oxford City Council a commendation of excellence. Julie, with more than 30 years of experience as a housing OT, showcased an ability to navigate complex cases to ensure timely delivery of adaptations.
This award was sponsored by BHTA.

Social Housing Adaptations Service of the Year
The Social Housing Adaptations Service of the Year Award 2023 was presented to Longhurst Group Independent Living. The award recognises noteworthy practices in the delivery of disabled adaptations in social housing.
The team at Longhurst Group Independent Living were praised by judges across the board. Their efforts have resulted in more independence for those living in social housing, a reduction in costly care and better facilitation of hospital discharge.
This award was sponsored by Altro.

Excellence in the Design of Adaptations
Cambs Home Improvement Agency was presented with the award for Excellence in the Design of Adaptations. The aesthetically pleasing and functional adaptations showcased exceptional innovation. The judges could see how the HIA works hard to put design at the forefront of its adaptation services.
The judging panel also wanted to recognise the achievements of Paul Davies, DB3 Architecture by awarding a commendation of excellence. Paul leads an outstanding team at DB3 Architecture, where designs prioritise sustainable, inclusive adaptations.
This award was sponsored by Invisible Creations and PROCare.

Contractor of the Year
There were two winners of Contractor of the Year 2023, Chas D Allfaltts and Equans. The judges found both entries to be equally outstanding in this category.
Chas D Allflatts stood out for carrying out 2,000 fall prevention works in 2023 and their commitment to eradicating delays. Equans has installed approximately 300 level-access showers in 2023 and has excellent client relationships, providing additional support wherever possible.
This award was sponsored by Impey.

Handyperson Service of the Year 2023
For Handyperson Service of the Year 2023, the City of York Council Prevention Service were awarded.
The judges were impressed by the strength-based practices and collaborative approach in place. Collaborating with NHS colleagues, the service has provided a streamlined falls-prevention service which aids many vulnerable people to live safely in their own homes.
Manchester Care & Repair Handyperson Team were awarded a commendation of excellence. The judges acknowledged just how valuable the service is to Manchester city’s residents and praised the team’s adoption of energy-efficient technology.

Technical Officer of the Year
Simon Waller, Staying Put Agency was named Technical Officer of the Year 2023.
Simon’s entry impressed the judges not least for his 20 years of experience in the sector but also for his exceptional contributions to Middlesborough Council’s Adult Social Care & Health integration. Simon was praised by colleagues in his nomination for his interpersonal skills and enthusiasm.
Lyn Wilkinson, Gravesham Borough Council, received a special commendation. The judges wanted to recognise Lyn’s wealth of experience and efforts throughout 2023 which have consistently advanced the service.
This award was sponsored by Nicholls and Clarke Group.

Sustainability in Home Adaptations award 2023
The winner of the Sustainability in Home Adaptations Award 2023 was Manchester Care & Repair.
The judging panel praised the agency’s understanding of the climate crisis and the unique challenges that vulnerable individuals face as a result. The HIA has met many of the council’s environmental goals in 2023 and is a great example of the difference a climate-conscious team can make.
Oxford City Home Improvement Agency was also presented with a commendation of excellence. The HIA’s sustainability services were recognised by judges as extremely beneficial to residents financially and on a wellbeing level.
This award was sponsored by Geberit.

Foundations Independent Living Trust Award
Each year Foundations Independent Living Trust board selects an outstanding agency who have consistently contributed to the sector. This year the winner of the FILT award was Newcastle Care & Repair.
Newcastle Care & Repair have made outstanding commitments to Gas Safe throughout 2023. Their work has been instrumental in safeguarding homes and families as well as making a positive difference in overall community wellbeing.
A special commendation of excellence also was given to Salford City Council. The agency’s work stood out to Trustees as focused and attentive. They were also praised for the delivery of gas safety education to Salford’s residents.

Special Award
Band of Builders were presented with a special award from Paul Smith, Director of Foundations, during the ceremony’s opening.
The charity was recognised for its demonstration of what can be achieved when the industry unites and its inspiring work throughout 2023. Trustee Tim Height opened the ceremony with a special presentation to share the story and shine a spotlight on mental health in the construction industry.

Special Award
Sue Sinclair was also presented with a special award to mark a lifetime achievement. Sue had worked in the Home Improvements sector for 36 years before retiring in 2023.
Roy McNally, Regional Advisor at Foundations, spoke on stage about Sue’s remarkable work and how she has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of clients over the years. Sue, who led the team at Homewise, was commended on innovative schemes and solutions for home improvements.

Paul Smith, Director of Foundations Comments on the 2023 NHH Awards
Paul Smith, Director of Foundations, said: “I know there are so many of you dedicated people who work your socks off every day to keep others warm, safe and secure in their own homes. And, every year it’s a genuine privilege to be able to recognise some of that work and shine a light on the stars of the sector. This year the quality of the entries was outstanding, which made the judging incredibly tough – so congratulations to everyone who was nominated. You’re making a real difference. You’re all amazing.”

The National Healthy Housing Awards build on the success of the annual HIA Awards, which were organised by Foundations from 2001 to 2018. The new awards, launched in 2019, continue to champion the work of Home Improvement Agencies but also celebrate a wider range of individuals and organisations across England that enable people to live independent lives.
National Healthy Housing Awards 2023: Full list of winners and commendations
Home Improvement Agency of the Year
Winner: Wolverhampton Homes Home Improvement Agency
DFG Home Adaptation Service of the Year
Winner: Oxford City Council Home Improvement Agency
Commended: Middlesborough Staying Put Agency
Caseworker of the Year
Winner: Danielle Syers, Rochdale Home Improvement Agency
Commended: Hanna Bagnall, Westmorland and Furness Council and Jane Leaming, Longhurst Group
Outstanding Achievement
Winner: Amelia Morphet
Commended: Rekindle Team, See & Solve
Sustainability in Home Adaptations
Winner: Manchester Care & Repair
Contractor of the Year
Winner: Chas D Allflatts, Equans
Excellence in the Design of Adaptations
Winner: Cambs Home Improvement Agency
Commended: Paul Davies, DB3 Architecture
Handyperson Service of the Year
Winner: City of York Council Prevention Service
Commended: Manchester Care & Repair
Housing Occupational Therapist of the Year
Winner: Neil Withnell
Commended: Julie Thomas
Foundations Independent Living Trust
Winner: Newcastle Care & Repair
Commended: Salford City Council
Social Housing Adaptations Service of the Year
Winner: Longhurst Group Independent Living
Technical Officer of the Year
Winner: Simon Waller, Middlesborough Staying Put Agency
Commended: Lyn Wilkinson, Gravesham Borough Council
Special Awards
Sue Sinclair
Band of Builders
For more information on the National Healthy Housing Awards see the link below.