December 15, 2011

Gofal is celebrating after a night of success
at a recent national awards ceremony. Gofal picked up three awards at the Promoting Independence Awards 2011 (PIAs) for its excellent work within the housing-related support, homelessness and supported living sector.

The PIAs is a joint venture between Cymorth Cymru and Welsh Local Authorities, which is held annually to showcase and celebrate the amazing work that is being done within the sector to help some of the most vulnerable members of society. This year’s event was held on Friday 2nd December at Mercure Holland House, Cardiff.

Gofal works across South Wales, delivering high quality services that support people with their independence, health and wellbeing, and their recovery.  Gofal was nominated for five separate awards at the PIAs, and won three in total:

• The Private Sector Partnership Award 2011

This award was received by Gofal for its successful partnership with Cartrefi Cymru and G4S HM Prison and Youth Offenders Institution Parc in Bridgend. The partnership supports prisoners with mental health issues or learning difficulties to resettle into their local community upon prison release. The overall aim of the project is to reduce re-offending by enabling people to better manage their mental health, and supporting them to access services such as education, training and employment.

• Improving Access to Employment, Training and Skills Award 2011

Gofal picked up this award for its Our Business project in Cardiff. Our Business is a collaboration between Gofal, Taff, Cadwyn, United Welsh Housing Association and Cardiff Community Housing Association. The project addresses social and financial exclusion for tenants and residents of partner agencies. Working to a mental health and wellbeing model, the project provides support in access to education, training and paid employment. An overarching aim to develop a social enterprise capable of delivering services to the partner agencies has also been achieved.

• The Creativity Award 2011

Gofal won this award for its creativity around social media marketing. Social media marketing has become embedded within Gofal’s communications work in recent years. Gofal has utilised social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Youtube to develop creative ways of raising awareness of mental health issues, and to directly influence key stakeholders and policy makers.

Gofal also received the runners up spot for the Improving Access to Employment, Training and Skills Award for its Pathways to Employment project based in Caerphilly.  Gofal’s Jo Davis also received a commendation for the Inspirational Colleague Award. Jo is a former service user of Gofal who’s inspirational recovery has led her to become a valued member of staff at Gofal.

Gofal’s Executive Director, Ewan Hilton, commented:

“These awards are testament to the excellent work that goes on every day within Gofal. Each award demonstrates our commitment to making a lasting difference to people’s lives, as well as recognising the hard work and dedication shown by Gofal staff across our organisation.”

For more photos from the awards, please visit Gofal’s Facebook page.

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