Riverside - ECHG tenants pioneer new Awards

16 December 2009

Tenants from two ECHG sheltered housing schemes have been among the successful pioneers of the innovative new Housing for Older People awards, where tenants themselves submit award nominations for their schemes. Tenants at Ivy Court and Willowdene Court schemes, both in Merseyside, have been part of the pioneering process which covers all types of schemes - from retirement housing and sheltered housing, to assisted living and extra care housing. The awards are run by the Elderly Accommodation Council (EAC) and tenants voted for their schemes through a consultation involving them in small groups as well as individually, using a deck of cards designed by the EAC to stimulate discussions and help capture satisfaction ratings on issues such as scheme design, services and well-being.

“We are absolutely delighted that ECHG has finalists in two of the award categories,” said Judith Crowther, ECHG’s Director of Older People’s Services. “This is no mean feat given that the awards attracted over 500 entries. And it is a testament to the importance of empowering our tenants to have a voice in their services.”

The awards are supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the winners are due to be announced in February 2010 at their national awards ceremony.