Community day applauded at awards bash

A Sentinel initiative that saw 160 staff ditch the traditional staff conference in favour of helping out on six community projects has won plaudits from the world of housing.

As a finalist in the South East 'What We are Proud Of' housing awards in Brighton last month, other housing associations heard how Sentinel staff worked on six projects including computer training for older people, painting a village hall, building a vegetable garden, organising a ballroom tea dance with celebrity guests for older people, landscaping a disused area of wasteland and running a family fun day.

Award judges heard how local businesses and partners chipped in with £6,000 of sponsorship, donating paint, labour and prizes to ensure the success of the various projects.

Despite not winning the award, other housing associations have been keen to try our idea for themselves. Meanwhile, our regulator the Tenant Services Authority is also keen on passing this initiative around the housing world.