A unique research partnership between the Centre and two Cornish organisations has won a National Housing Federation community impact award.

Coastline Housing, Carnego Systems and researchers Nick Osborne and Richard Sharpe were recognised for their ‘Health and Home’ entry, a study of 435 households that is helping to understand the links between housing, lifestyle, health and wellbeing.

The awards celebrate the difference that housing associations make through creating opportunities to bring local communities together, with four projects that have transformed the lives of thousands of people across the South West winning prizes.

‘Health and Home’ is aiming to understand how fuel poverty, accommodation and lifestyle are linked to problems such as condensation and mould – and their associated health concerns. The findings are being used to improve the lives of residents in more than 4,000 of Coastline’s own homes and will also be rolled out to a national audience.

Scooping the prize at last week’s prize event in Bristol, the team are now through to the finals for the national awards in June.

Lead researcher on the project, Dr Nick Osborne said “We’re excited to be part of this award winning research. Partnerships like this are really valuable and will help us to improve the health of residents across the country.”

Mark England from Coastline Housing said “We’re extremely pleased to see this level of recognition for a project that’s playing an important part in understanding the issues customers experience in their homes. Working with Carnego has strengthened the initiative further and will allow us to develop improved strategies for property improvements.”

In total almost 180 entries were received across the country, with more than 60 projects shortlisted. Regional winners were also drawn from awards events in Manchester, Birmingham, London and York.