Booth House in Swindon town centre awarded Salvation Army homelessness centre of the year

A residential centre for people who are experiencing homelessness in Swindon is just one of those The Salvation Army has recognised at its annual social services awards ceremony held on Wednesday 4 March.

Booth House in Swindon won the highly commended Centre of the Year for The Salvation Army’s homelessness services in recognition of its commitment to creating transformation in people’s lives.

Those working at Booth House are seen to work as a team with the people living at the centre through two social enterprises which enable residents to gain skills and qualifications to help them move back into the world of work. The Sandwich People – a buffet delivery service, and Recycles – cycle repair and refurbishment business, enables residents to gain qualifications in food hygiene, customer service, and cycle mechanics, to grow in confidence, and to look to move on with their lives.

Elizabeth Osborne, manager at Booth House, pictured above, said: “I have a brilliant staff team who work so well with the residents. I’d also like to congratulate the residents and volunteers who work on the social enterprise project because the recognition here tonight is as much for them.”

Major Mitch Menagh, Territorial Director of Homelessness Services, congratulated the Booth House staff: “Centre of the Year clearly demonstrates good practice, evidence of integrated mission, a trained and committed workforce, consistent performance and good outcomes, with a clear focus of being strategically relevant, ensuring that the needs of service users are considered to be a priority.

“Residents and staff at Booth House work as a team on a number of social enterprises and the whole team are involved in the planning, budgeting and reviewing the progress of the services."

The awards ceremony, held in The Hayes Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire, recognised those who have made an exceptional contribution to the church and charity’s work helping vulnerable people as the largest non-governmental provider of social care in the country. With 16 older peoples’ homes, more than 80 Lifehouses to support homeless people, and more than 800 churches and community centres offering a range of services, The Salvation Army is on hand to help people across the UK and Ireland.

Major Paul Kingscott, Territorial Social Services Secretary in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, said: “These awards are about the winners and winning centres which tell a story of dedication to caring for people who are vulnerable or in need in every community. This awards ceremony was an opportunity to recognise their hard work, support, and self-sacrifice. These people are there for others no matter how dark and difficult the circumstances and are truly good Samaritans helping others who might need compassionate support, a listening ear, or practical help.”

The awards are split into three categories - homelessness services, community services, and older people’s services. They are judged by independent panels, with hundreds of Salvation Army social centres and community churches along with thousands of staff in the UK and Republic of Ireland eligible for nomination by employees, service users, residents and local community groups.