AN EVESHAM-based housing provider has been applauded for its work to encourage disabled and older people to get involved in volunteering.

Rooftop Housing Group has been awarded an Innovation and Good Practice Award by national consortium of older people’s housing and support providers Erosh for its Can Do Club.

The club is a group of disabled and older volunteers who initially came together through Rooftop and meet once a week to share a range of hobbies and activities.

The winners of the awards were announced at a ceremony in London on Monday, March 23 at by Erosh patron Dame Esther Rantzen and Lord Richard Best.

Rooftop Housing volunteer Leah Jones said: “Considering the immense hard work and unique projects that were submitted, we were honoured to be shortlisted.

“After meeting the other candidates at the awards ceremony, we were surprised and delighted to be announced winners.”

Erosh chief executive Rebecca Mollart said she and her colleagues were impressed by the much Rooftop and the three other winners had achieved in the face of government funding cuts.

“We will share this good practice with members through our Policy and Good Practice Portal and it will help with our own project to collate evidence demonstrating the value and benefits of sheltered housing services,” she said.

Rooftop Housing Group consists of Evesham and Pershore Housing Association, Rooftop Homes Ltd and G3 (inspiring individuals) Ltd Limited and owns more than 6,100 homes.