Care Network has won an award for Collaboration at the National Home Improvement Agency awards at House of Lords, London. The award honoured the important work Care Network does in partnership with businesses, charities, GPs and Social Care to maximise the health, wellbeing and independence of people who live in Blackburn with Darwen.

Our safe trader scheme involving 49 local businesses and the Care Network Hub, a one-stop shop for information on health and wellbeing activities brings together over 80 local offers from partners.

Organised by Foundations, the national body for HIAs, the annual awards recognise the way in which the HIA sector is linking up health, housing and social care. Our home environments are so important and make a big impact on our physical and mental health.

When normal day to day life gets trickier due to ageing, frailty, illness, disability or even a new baby in the home, Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) across the country step in to offer support for people to maintain and improve their home for their specific needs.

“It’s absolutely vital that we ensure vulnerable people are safe at home and enable them to live healthier, more independent lives as we shift the emphasis towards preventive services. These awards highlight how Home Improvement Agencies are rising to that challenge.”

Awards host Lord Best

Over the last 15 years Care Network has grown from a small project supporting people to access meals on wheels and cleaning services for older people, to a charity offering services for all, supporting people’s independent lives at home and their overall wellbeing.

Our charities comprehensive safe trader scheme promises, safe, trustworthy, local tradespeople who can fix anything from a dripping tap through to a building project as well as gardeners, handy people and mobile services such as hairdressers and opticians for people who struggle to leave the house.

Care Network also offers advice and guidance around simple changes at home to prevent accidents such as slips, trips and falls, what to do to avoid damp, mould and condensation and can help save people money on their bills so that heating a home and staying warm is possible for people.

At Care Network Hub the charity helps people get in touch with other charities, community groups and more so they can be less lonely, know what their rights are and find other support available to them to live a happier and healthier life.

Representatives from government departments and organisations including Public Health England, Housing Associations Charitable Trust, Centre for Ageing Better, The Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Disabled Living Foundation joined finalists at the House of Lords awards ceremony.

“With the wide range of difficulties that people find themselves struggling with in their daily lives, collaborating with others is imperative to making sure everyone has access to the right services, support, advice and guidance. Our network of partners is growing continually, and we’re delighted to have been recognised nationally for the work we do”

James Hadleigh, Chief Executive of Care Network