A leading Welsh housing charity is calling for applications for its prestigious annual award.
Shelter Cymru’s Val Feld Women and Homelessness Award recognises projects or individuals that have made a difference to women’s lives in relation to housing and homelessness.
Michelle Wales, Shelter Cymru’s head of external affairs, said: “Val Feld was the founding director of Shelter Cymru and worked tirelessly to promote women’s involvement in housing issues. This award is our way of remembering the enormous contribution she made.
“We are looking for imaginative and innovative approaches to dealing with the range of issues surrounding women, housing and homelessness. This could be an existing project, new research or an outstanding individual contribution.”
The winner will receive a £3000 cash prize and a unique bronze statue designed by Gower artist Helen Sinclair.
Last year’s winner was Swansea Women’s Aid outreach services project, which provides specialist practical and emotional support for women and children who experience domestic abuse.
Specialist workers help women rebuild their lives, providing advice on practical matters such as housing, legal and benefit issues. There is also a counselling service addressing emotional issues including family relationships, self esteem, depression and anxiety.
The £3000 prize money enabled Swansea Women’s Aid to develop the project further and provide holistic therapy sessions designed to boost abused women’s mental and emotional well-being.
Applications are welcome from organisations and individuals wishing to undertake research into the issues around women, housing and homelessness; to set up or fund a feasibility study for a new project; or to help develop an existing project.
The closing date for this year’s award is 31 May. The winner will be announced at Shelter Cymru’s annual conference at the Village Hotel, Swansea, on 1 July.
Further details and application forms are available to download at www.sheltercymru.org.uk or contact Mel Evans on 01792 483072.
