Cheltenham Borough Homes

Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH) is responsible for the management and maintenance of the town council's housing stock and its allied housing the homeless service. Since 2003 it has made a difference to the lives of thousands of people living in the homes they manage as a landlord and the communities in which they operate. As a people-centred organisation, it takes equal pride in sticking to core principles of ‘Trustworthy, Supportive, One Team, Respectful' in its dealings with its own staff.

The company paid for 16 employees members of staff to be trained as mental health first aiders, on hand to offer support whenever it may be needed. An Employee Assistance Programme is available around the clock to offer guidance, face to face sessions or telephone counselling.

It puts a premium on structured training through its internal platform Learning Zone, which promotes courses for all team members. In a reflection of changing requirements, project managers have had sessions on facilitating and participating in virtual meetings.

Community engagement runs through CBH's DNA, with teams delivering face-to-face wellbeing sessions in a Covid safe way to vulnerable groups, such as a Men's Mental Health Group. They have also worked with three resident's groups across Cheltenham on growing-your-own-vegetables projects. Residents are offered the chance to sign up for online activities alongside CBH staff on craft sessions, foodie Fridays and fitness activities.