Press Release

Partnership brings award success

November 2008

Islington is a winner at the 2008 annual UK Housing Awards. Success came in the new category of ‘contributing to wider community agendas’ for the Every Child Matters project.

The category was awarded to housing organisations that play a significant role in contributing to wider (non-housing) community and government agendas including health, education, and financial inclusion. This includes projects or initiatives that support educational success, build 'respect' in communities, promote financial inclusion and tackle unemployment.

The nomination was put forward in the name of Homes for Islington but represented work by Islington Council, Arsenal Positive Futures and Sports Activities for Everyone (S.A.F.E).

The Every Child Matters project provides positive activities for children and young people resident on Islington council estates managed by Homes for Islington (HFI), offering them opportunities to enjoy and achieve outside school, stay healthy and tackle antisocial behaviour.

The key objective was to provide positive activities for young people, giving them the opportunity to develop their knowledge, confidence and skills. Activities currently being provided range from playing and coaching in a wide range of sports, to music and arts projects on Islington estates and educational opportunities such as homework clubs and computer training.

Every Child Matters work includes:

• Arsenal Positive Futures and S.A.F.E. offer sports coaching five days a week in football, baseball, cricket and netball for 8-19 year-olds, as well as homework clubs, IT and multi-media training. The programme also enhances the physical environment by upgrading outdoor spaces, providing new sports facilities and bringing empty spaces back into use.
• Arts and drama on estates; recent activities include young people working with arts professionals to capture the sound of their lives and experiences living in Islington (“Soundtracks”) and to create their own original writing, animation, film and photography exploring the heritage of Islington (“Write Now and Then”).

Adam Borrie, chair of HFI’s board of directors said: “HFI are committed to supporting communities and working with our partners to provide opportunities for young people. Managing estates is about more than just improving homes it is about providing opportunities. I’m delighted that this work has been recognised and it highlights the benefits of local agencies working together.”

Cllr Terry Stacy, deputy leader of Islington Council and executive member for housing and community safety said: “Providing opportunities for young people and building vibrant communities are key areas of work for the Council. We are serious about tackling antisocial behaviour and providing alternatives for young people and these are the kind of projects that help us achieve that. It’s great that this work and the combined efforts of the Council, HFI and our partners at Arsenal and SAFE has been recognised with a national award.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact James Asser in the HFI communications team on 020 7527 4379 or email james.asser@homesforislington.org.uk

Notes to editors:

1. Homes for Islington, one of the UK’s largest arms length management organisations (ALMO), which began operations in April 2004, is charged with managing council housing stock throughout the borough. It is owned by Islington Council and managed by a Board of Directors, made up of Islington tenants and leaseholders, council representatives and independent members.
2. The UK Housing Awards are now in their 12th year and are the foremost awards in the housing sector. They showcase the achievements of the housing organisations from across the sector.
3. 1st picture attached of Cllr Terry Stacy and Adam Borrie, HFI’s Chair, collecting the award.
4. 2nd picture shows Cllr Terry Stacy with the award and representatives and staff from Homes for Islington, Islington Council, S.A.F.E. and Arsenal Positive Futures.
5. 3rd picture shows from L-R: Daniel White, Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Cllr James Kempton, Leader of the Council, Doug Goldring, Deputy Chief Executive, Peter Hill-Wood, Arsenal Chairman, Eamon McGoldrick, HFI Chief Executive, Adam Borrie, HFI's Chair, Sean Mclaughlin, HFI Director of Adult Social Services, Tony David and Rhys Shirley, Cori Julian and Miles Lennon.