CBH was nominated for its work to reduce antisocial behaviour and crime in Greenstead, Colchester. The estate had seen an increase in youth-related poor behaviour, including vandalism, theft, and general nuisance. Building a partnership with other housing providers, the police, youth workers, and community agencies and members, CBH’s Community Safety Team developed a number of initiatives to address the problem.

One is the Morpheus Project, designed to build confidence, teamwork and discipline in young people. The project partners with the British Army, Essex Police and other housing providers to offer a two-day army course with overnight wild camping and cooking. The young participants learn teamwork, discipline and the consequences of their actions.

Another initiative, the Omnis Project, is a one-stop contact point for vulnerable people who are socially isolated by poor mental health or learning disabilities. Bringing together a range of partners, including specialist care providers, family support agencies, housing, financial inclusion officers, and the police, it can speed up referrals and point people towards opportunities, support, and advice they might otherwise not have known about.

CBH’s Community Safety Team has also worked to build trust with the community. A key aim has been to make residents aware that there is help for anyone struggling with ASB or crime. The team also meets frequently with local police to share intelligence and is part of the Safer Colchester Partnership. Team members are part of the multidisciplinary healthcare teams that focus on wellbeing and hoarding and is also involved in the training of Hate Crime Ambassadors across the city.

Philip Sullivan, Chief Executive of CBH, said: “We are thrilled to receive this award because it recognises the hard work and dedication of our Community Safety Team and our partners in the community. They are all striving to make Colchester a safer and more thriving place for everyone to live.

“Our team’s work on the ASB Forum and other initiatives is an example of how CBH takes its responsibilities towards residents and whole communities seriously, seeing this work as a key part of its role as a housing provider. We aim to make a real difference in the lives of our residents. We are proud to be part of the Colchester community, and we are committed to continuing to work together to create a better future for everyone.”