Oxford City Council’s Home Improvement Agency (HIA) has scooped the Home Adaptation Service of the Year award at Foundations’ National Healthy Housing Awards 2020.
The annual awards highlight the work of home improvement agencies across the country and celebrate individuals and organisations that enable people to live independent lives.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s winners were announced at a virtual ceremony on Tuesday 1 December.
The HIA team works to help older, disabled and vulnerable people to live safely and independently in their own homes by providing adaptations such as ramps, stair lifts and level access showers.
The judges were impressed by the way the team:
- helped hospitals quickly discharge 80 patients back into their homes by fitting key safe boxes within 24 hours, allowing carers access to the property
- reached out to more than 30,000 doctors, nurses and other health professionals to help make Oxfordshire residents aware of the service
- seeks to improve the service by regularly consulting with hospitals, social services, GPs and domestic abuse groups
The HIA has grants, loans and assistance to help residents remain safe and independent in their own home.
Separately, the council’s wholly-owned company, ODS, was highly commended in the Contractor of the Year category for its work to support the HIA team.
“We know how life changing it can be for elderly, disabled and vulnerable people to continue to have their independence, and our Home Improvement Agency team works tirelessly to make sure that can happen.
“If you or someone you know could do with a handrail installed, a level access shower fitted or just a bit of help to fix small repairs around the house, please do get in touch with our award-winning HIA team.”
Councillor Mike Rowley, Cabinet Member for Affordable Housing and Housing the Homeless
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