Hightown

We were delighted to be joined by Andrew Lewin, MP for Welwyn Hatfield, along with partners from local authorities working across Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire County Council at the latest meeting of our Housing @ Herts partnership in Hatfield last week. During the meeting we reviewed results from our local authority partner survey compiled earlier this year, drawing on data from the 10 local authorities in Hertfordshire. The research provides a compelling case for the housing need across the county and the solutions needed – with over 19,000 households on the waiting list earlier this year and over 1,800 children living in temporary accommodation. With attendees highlighting that housing need across the county only continues to increase, we were pleased to hear Andrew restate the Government’s support for investment in social housing and look forward to working together as we all do all that we can to meet housing need in this area. The Housing @ Herts partnership is led by five Hertfordshire-based housing associations – Hightown, B3Living, Settle, Thrive Homes UK and Watford Community Housing #Partnership #Housing #Hertfordshire

Our Annual Report for Residents 2023/24 is now available. The report provides an overview and update on how we're performing and the difference we're making to our residents. You can read the report here. https://lnkd.in/dbEM55kV

Hightown believes that long service awards are an opportunity to celebrate and recognise our staff's hard work, dedication, commitment and contribution. Hightown is proud to celebrate three incredible and significant milestones from Marion Murnaghan for 10 years of service, Stacey Cole on her 15 years of service and Gemma Hayter on her outstanding 20 years of service. Congratulations and thank you. #LongServiceAward #HightownHousing

Congratulations to Francis, our Head of Care and Supported Housing, on winning the Social Care Leadership Award 2024. The judges commented: "His open communication and mentorship foster growth, empowering staff to deliver exceptional care."

Last week Hightown celebrated the opening of our newest development, York House in St Albans, alongside members of St Albans City and District Council and Daisy Cooper MP. The 25 new homes for social rent will bring a place of security and belonging for residents in need of affordable housing in St Albans. #Housing #StAlbans #NewHomes

Good luck to our very own Francis, who is a finalist in The Social Care Leadership Awards - The Executive Home Care Leader for the Great British Care Awards 2024. Francis is Hightown's Head of Care and Supported Housing for our regulated services and continues to provide excellent leadership within the sector. #GBCA2024 #CareandSupport #SocialCare

Anita has a mild learning disability and is supported by staff at our care and supported housing scheme in Hitchin. Anita has flourished since moving into her own flat home and is enjoying her freedom and space to express herself. Read her story: https://lnkd.in/ekuurbGn

Today marks #WorldHomelessDay, an international day to advocate for solutions to ending homelessness. It's clear that more needs to be done to address the escalating homelessness crisis. English councils supported a staggering 358,370 homeless households in 2023/2024 - a rise of nearly 15% on the previous year - 324,990 of whom were owed a prevention or relief duty. Meanwhile, the number of people living in temporary accommodation in England is at an all-time high; in March 2024, the figure reached 117,450 households, including 151,630 children. As a founding member of the Homes for Cathy group, we're committed to maintaining a strong culture of homelessness prevention within the association and to fostering a better understanding of the needs of homeless people and their barriers to housing, together with a strong appetite to work internally and with external partners to offer solutions. Our work in the meeting the Homes for Cathy homelessness pledges touches on all areas of our operations, from building homes to care and supported housing and housing management. Read our 2023/24 Homes for Cathy report to find out about the policies, practices and services we are delivering to meet the needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. https://lnkd.in/eDPgN6TX

Yesterday was #WorldCerebralPalsyDay. Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong condition affecting movement and coordination. David lives in one of our care and supported housing registered care schemes, which empowers him to live independently, despite the challenges that come with Cerebral Palsy. Read David's full story here: https://lnkd.in/eaSE6XY9

Using shared ownership allowed Alice to get her foot on the property ladder for an affordable price. Alice shares how happy she is with her home and how good it feels that her children have a stable place to live. #SharedOwnershipWeek2024