A leading Welsh charity is calling for nominations for its prestigious annual award.
Shelter Cymru’s Val Feld Award recognises projects or individuals that have made a difference to women’s lives in relation to housing and homelessness.
The award was established in 2002 in memory of Val Feld, founding director of Shelter Cymru, a former director of the Equal Opportunities Commission and the first Assembly Member for Swansea East.
Michelle Wales, Shelter Cymru’s head of external affairs, said: “This award is our way of celebrating the enormous contribution that Val made to promote women’s involvement in housing issues.
“It recognises fresh, imaginative ways of dealing with a range of issues surrounding women, housing and homelessness whether this is an existing project, new research or an outstanding individual contribution.”
This year, there will be Strictly Come Dancing-style twist to the selection, with delegates at Shelter Cymru’s annual conference having a say in who scoops the £3,000 cash prize.
Following presentations from four shortlisted candidates, delegates will vote for their favourite. These votes will then be combined with those of the judging panel to give an overall winner.
In addition to the cash prize, the winner will also receive a unique bronze statue designed by Gower artist Helen Sinclair.
Last year’s winner was the Safer Wales project, which provides security support for people who have been subject to serious crimes such as domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and burglary
The £3000 prize money to secure the Safer Wales HomeSafe project in the longer-term and consolidate its position as an essential service for women and their families, helping them to stay in their homes and remain an active part of their communities.
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.
