Colchester Borough Homes (CBH) has won the Neighbourhood Transformation award at the Essex Housing Awards 2023. The award recognises outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life in a neighbourhood.

CBH was nominated for the award for its work to reduce antisocial behaviour (ASB) and crime in Greenstead, Colchester. The estate had seen an increase in youth-related ASB, including vandalism, theft, and general nuisance. CBH’s Community Safety Team worked with other housing providers, the police, youth workers, and community members to develop a number of initiatives to address the problem.

One of these initiatives is the Morpheus Project, which is designed to build confidence, teamwork, and discipline in young people. The project partners with the British Army, Essex Police, and other housing providers to offer young people a two-day army course with overnight wild camping and cooking. The course teaches young people teamwork, discipline, and the consequences of their actions.

Another initiative is the Omnis Project, which is a one-stop location for vulnerable people who are socially isolated due to mental ill health or learning disabilities. The project brings together a range of partners, including specialist care providers, family support agencies, housing, financial inclusion officers, and the police. The project provides expedited referrals routes, signposting opportunities, support, and advice.

CBH’s Community Safety Team has also worked to build trust with the community and to increase awareness of the resources available to help people who are struggling with ASB or crime. The team meets frequently with police to share and build intelligence, is part of the Safer Colchester Partnership and multidisciplinary healthcare teams focused on wellbeing and hoarding and is also involved in the training of Hate Crime Ambassadors across the city.

Philip Sullivan, Chief Executive of CBH, said: “We are thrilled to receive the Neighbourhood Transformation award at the Essex Housing Awards 2023.

“This award recognises the hard work and dedication of our Community Safety Team and our partners in the community to make Colchester a safer and more thriving place for everyone to live.

“Our team’s work on the ASB Forum and other initiatives is an example of how CBH is helping to make a real difference in the lives of our residents. We are proud to be part of the Colchester community, and we are committed to continuing to work together to create a better future for everyone.”