The organisation was presented with the Excellence in Providing Support and Advice award by Kerry McCarthy MP at the Foundations Annual Home Improvement Agency Awards.
Bristol Care and Repair won the award for developing a strong, professional team of caseworkers who support vulnerable people to make their own choices about their home.
One year after launching Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods, the national strategy for housing in an ageing society, Communities Minister Baroness Andrews congratulated Bristol Care & Repair, saying:
"Home improvement agencies have become a lifeline to thousands of older and vulnerable people, giving them the practical help they need to stay in their homes. This year's award winners are pushing the boundaries of excellence and it's great to see their hard work and creativity being rewarded."
In addition, Baroness Andrews confirmed the amounts that each local authority across England will receive to develop or expand handyman services in their areas, many of which will be delivered by home improvement agencies. In the South West this amounts to £3.4m. The Minister also reaffirmed the government's £1m support for the FirstStop helpline and web service, which provides independent and free advice and information to older people, their family and their Carers.
Baroness Andrews said:
"For many vulnerable people, having someone they can trust to give them advice and practical help is invaluable and this is exactly what FirstStop and the handyperson schemes do."
