Entries for The London Homelessness Awards in memory of Andy Ludlow were brought to a close on Thursday 14th May.
These awards, sponsored by the London Housing Foundation, Shelter and London’s local authorities are run by London Councils look to recognise innovation and excellent practice in the homelessness sector in London.
The awards carry huge kudos for winning projects, and perhaps as important a significant cash sum. The winners receive £30,000, the runner up £15,000 and the third placed project £10,000. Even for big established projects this can be a big boost.
Last year the top award of £30,000 was won by Groundswell for their Homeless Peer Advocacy Scheme. At the time, John Driscol, a service user who became a volunteer and was then appointed as a project worker said:
“Winning the Andy Ludlow Award has made such a difference to not just my life – but to all the homeless people we support. This year we are going to deliver 2,000 appointments supporting more homeless people across London to sort their health out! Knowing that I’m a part of this gives me such a buzz!”
Previous winners include the Spires Centre in Streatham. Lucy Barratt of Spires wrote: “As well as some big ticket items like a new van, we wanted to use the £30,000 to help in other ways. So for example, we have extended the broadband that we have in the day centre so more people can get online”.
More information about previous winners of the London Homelessness Awards can be found on the LHF website www.lhf.og.uk.