A touch of Hollywood magic has seen Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) shortlisted for a prestigious housing industry award.
Stafford’s leading provider of affordable homes to rent is shortlisted for the Excellence in Tenant Communication Award, presented by a national organisation representing housing association tenants.
A short film based on The Wizard of Oz caught the eye of judges at the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (Tpas) for the entertaining way it highlighted howa decent home is the first essential that people need to live fulfilling, secure and independent lives.
Premiered at the housing association’s AGM, ‘There’s No Place Like Home’ also showcased SARH projects, helping to make the communities it serves ‘Great places to Live, Work and Grow.’
SARH is no stranger to success at the Tpas Awards, having previously scooped top honours in the Community Focused Service/Product of the Year category for its pioneering BeConnected programme, which aims to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, commented: “We’re delighted to once again be in the running for a Tpas award. These awards are particularly special as they’re presented by an organisation representing the people who are most important to us – our customers.”
The film was a huge hit when it was first shown at the AGM and has since been viewed hundreds of times on the SARH website (https://www.sarh.co.uk/about-us/how-we-are-run/sarh-agm/sarh-agm-2018/). It stars employees in full costume with Karen as the Great Oz, who can grant the wishes of the characters for more new homes, more allotment space and activities aimed at helping people to reconnect with the community.
Importantly, it has also provided a cost-effective way to engage with customers who would usually be hard to reach, as it can easily be shared online and through social media.
“The mini-movie was great fun to film and it’s received rave reviews!” said Karen. “We’re now hoping it will scoop an industry equivalent of an ‘Oscar’ at the Tpas Awards next month.”
