Liverpool Mutual Homes’ (LMH) back-to-work scheme has won a National Housing Federation (NHF) award.

The Volunteers in Placement (VIP) programme won the NHF’s Community Impact Awards in the Investing in People category for helping 30 people find work within a six-month period.

Each VIP participant was supported by LMH and its partners, including Eduk8, Housing Diversity Network, Career Connect, BikeRight! and Merseytravel, to overcome obstacles preventing them from learning and working while also building their confidence and wellbeing.

Chief executive at LMH, Steve Coffey, says: “The standard of applicants for NHF awards is very high so it is a great achievement to win.

“The success of the scheme is down to the hard work of staff and tenants and residents who have taken part.

“The most satisfying aspect is that people who have gone through the programme are finding work and are leading more fulfilled lives with good careers ahead of them.”

The VIP programme started in January with 30 tenants and residents aged between 16 – 61 resulting with two starting their own businesses; 20 progressing onto six-month, fixed-term work; four securing full-time employment; a further four offered jobs with their work experience organisations and 17 of the graduates are now also studying for NVQs at Knowsley Community College.

David Orr, NHF chief executive, says: “I am always proud to see projects which help to create a strong sense of community and give local people the power to get involved and make a real difference to their neighbourhoods.

“Today’s Community Impact Award winners are just a snapshot of the hugely beneficial work housing associations are doing up and down the country and it’s been fantastic to see so many getting involved in the public vote this year.”

Tenants received work placements at Bradbury Fields, Everton in the Community, The Belvidere Centre, Clubmoor and Fountains Children Centre, and Age Concern.

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