Run by Cottsway Housing in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council, the project supports single, under-35s who are in housing and employment need. They join Our house as ‘trainees’, living together in a house provided by Cottsway and are given support to get back into employment, education or training.
It was announced yesterday (22 January) that the project has been shortlisted in the Employment, Training and Skills Project category of awards run by Tpas, the country’s leading tenant engagement experts.
The Awards recognise excellent tenant engagement and best practice in the housing sector and winners will be revealed at a ceremony taking place on March 27 at the Principal Hotel, Manchester.
Our house started in 2018 and already has two successful shared houses in Witney supporting seven trainees, with a third house on the way this year. The project has been funded with support from the government’s Community Housing Fund.
Sam Stronach, Cottsway’s Our house project co-ordinator, said: “We have worked really hard to make sure that Our house is about much more than just putting a roof over heads and we’re really proud of what’s already been achieved.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award, especially because there were many entries. It means so much because these awards recognise work that brings lasting change to communities.”
Cllr Steve Good, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This is a truly innovative joint venture scheme which continues to make a life-changing different to a growing number of young people in the district and deserves this recognition.
“I am delighted and very proud it has been shortlisted and wish the team all the best for the final in March.”
To find out more about Our house, see www.cottsway.co.uk/our-house/. Alternatively, email [email protected] or call Sam Stronach via 01993 890000.
To find out about the Tpas Awards, see www.tpasawards.org.uk/