HALTON Housing Trust has been shortlisted for the finals of a national award acknowledging the way it cares and supports its customers.

The Trust’s multi-faceted customer care programme has been recognised in the Housing Excellence Awards, which are open to social landlords across the country.

“Identifying and delivering what our customers want and need is at the heart of what the Trust does and the way we work,” said Chief Executive Nick Atkin.

“It is a great achievement to be shortlisted and we obviously hope we will be successful on the night.  However being shortlisted is in itself an achievement and recognition of the quality of the services our people deliver each and every day to our customers.”

The Housing Excellence Awards, now in its eighth year, highlights and rewards those who are leading the way in the social housing sector.

Among the achievements that impressed judges was the Trust’s annual affordable warmth campaign. Nearly 200 people attended the sessions which advised customers how to keep warm and well in winter without spending more money than necessary.

The Trust’s submission explained how a free gardening scheme would help its more vulnerable customers, the difference a free handyperson service was making to residents and how discounted fruit and vegetables were available to customers through a service supported by the Trust.

Also in the award submission was evidence of 1,000 customer support visits made by the Trust in the past year as well as efforts to make employees more accessible.

The Housing Excellence Award judges also considered the help offered by the Trust to vulnerable and diverse communities in the area, including:

• Supporting those affected by domestic abuse
• Assisting people to live independently in their homes by providing various services and aids and adaptations
• Tackling financial inclusion, through employment opportunities.

“We have tried to make the Trust and its services more accessible, targeted and focused in the five years since taking ownership of our homes in Runcorn and Widnes,” said Noel Sharpe, Director of Customer Services.

“To be shortlisted for such a prestigious award is a recognition for all the hard work that has been put in by everyone at the Trust.”

The winners will be announced at an event held at Lancashire Cricket Ground on May 11th.