News
Being recognized for five categories is an incredible achievement for our entire staff team. It reflects our daily dedication to delivering not just quality homes, but strong, vibrant, and united communities. These nominations demonstrate our commitment to our tenants, stakeholders, and partners across Northern Ireland.
Here is a closer look at the five categories and the innovative projects that have earned us a place on the shortlist:
1. Working in Partnership: Socialise & Energise
Ark's Communities team, in partnership with the Armagh Advisory Group, identified a vital need to reduce social isolation among older adults. In a genuinely integrated approach with ABC Council, the Southern Health & Social Care Trust, and Sports Changed Life, They co-designed this 6-week wellbeing model.
- Integrated Approach: Combines housing, council, and health services to support those aged 50+.
- Blended Learning: Uses a mix of conversation-based learning and multi-sports engagement to build confidence.
- Breaking Barriers: Uses sport as a tool to reduce stigma and encourage peer-to-peer support.
- Sustainability: A replicable model that moves away from "siloed" traditional services.
2. Working in Partnership: Newtownards Community FUNd
This project puts the community at the heart of decision-making. By using a Participatory Budgeting (PB) model, Ark's Communities Team empowered residents in Newtownards to decide exactly how shared housing funding should be allocated in their local area.
- Empowering Residents: A community-led event where tenants make real decisions about resource allocation.
- Innovative Format: A "market-stall" style event that allows groups to showcase their projects and network.
- Tri-Housing Partnership: A collaboration between Ark Housing, NIHE, and Radius Housing to pool resources and reach.
- Proven Growth: The initiative has seen the number of applicant groups double from 10 to 21 in just three years.
3. Excellence in Communication: Social Housing Information Flyer
Born out of an extensive consultation in South Belfast, this project addressed a clear need for transparent, "myth-busting" information regarding housing allocations and legislation. Working with Woven, NIHE, and community partners, we created a tool to foster trust and clarity.
- Evidence-Based: Designed in response to resident workshops and focus groups highlighting confusion and misconceptions.
- User-Centred Design: Co-designed with a professional graphic designer to ensure maximum accessibility and simplicity.
- Unified Messaging: Provides a consistent explanation of the shared waiting list used by all Housing Associations and NIHE.
- Community Cohesion: Directly addresses misinformation to reduce community division and mistrust.
4. Housing Hero (Tenant Award): Hafida
We are incredibly proud to see Hafida, a resident in our temporary accommodation, recognized for her tireless advocacy. Despite managing the demands of being a mother to five children, Hafida has become a powerful voice for the social housing sector and those navigating the asylum system.
- Strategic Advocate: Uses her lived experience to influence policy through the Homelessness Prevention Forum and the Royal Foundation Homewards Programme.
- Inspirational Leader: A keynote speaker at the CIH All Ireland Summit, sharing insights on the intersection of immigration and housing.
- Community Pillar: A dedicated volunteer at every resident meeting, from preparing food for celebrations to welcoming new families.
- Governance & Inclusion: Sits on the Board of EMSONI, ensuring diverse voices are represented at the highest levels.
5. Team of the Year: Ark Housing (Housing & Assets)
This nomination recognizes the seamless integration of our Housing & Property Services teams. By breaking down departmental silos, these teams have transformed how we engage with our tenants through "Pop-Ups" and "Scheme Walkabouts."
- Integrated Service: Combines maintenance, housing officers, and customer solutions in one setting for tenants.
- Creative Engagement: Utilized the "Ark Creative Network" to bring artists and musicians into engagement events, boosting participation.
- Real-Time Solutions: Scheme Walkabouts allow staff to address maintenance and environmental concerns on-site immediately.
- Future-Proofing: As Ark grows toward 1,000 homes, this teamwork ensures biodiversity and sustainability remain core to our service delivery.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our tenants and partners who support these projects, and to our staff who make these initiatives possible.
We look forward to celebrating with all the nominees at the awards ceremony at the end of March!