whg has been shortlisted for a hat-trick of awards in recognition of its contribution to supporting communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The leading Midlands landlord has made it through to the finals of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2020.
This year, the awards have been altered to celebrate the significant difference made by people and businesses in the Black Country during the challenges of 2020.
whg has been shortlisted in the Large Business of the Year category for the impact it had on the local response to the crisis – for example, by ringing around 8,000 vulnerable customers to check on their wellbeing, distributing hampers, and supporting an unprecedented number of customers experiencing severe financial hardship.
whg is also up for the Outstanding Collaboration or Partnership award, in conjunction with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, for working with the trust to transform Holly Bank House back into a 17-bed discharge facility.
The former stroke unit in Short Heath was transformed in just two days, enabling more patients to be released from hospital and freeing up beds at Walsall Manor Hospital.
Meanwhile, whg gas engineer Darren Cook has been put forward for the Outstanding Key Worker award after clocking up hundreds of miles to deliver over 5,000 food parcels to some of Walsall’s most vulnerable households.
Commenting on the achievements, whg chief executive Gary Fulford said: “As a community anchor organisation, we know our communities inside out and understand where best to channel support when it is needed.
“We have used this knowledge to work with our partners to help coordinate the local response to the crisis.
“I’m delighted that the efforts of all colleagues have been recognised in this way.”
whg will now go forward to the finals event on 13 November.
whg is among the largest providers of housing in the Midlands, currently housing over 50,000 people in around 21,000 properties.
Read next: Sanctuary Housing awarded £150,000 to tackle inequalities
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
