A LIFE changing initiative which also helps free up hospital beds in Bradford has secured a national award after winning a public vote.

The scheme which houses and provides health care to homeless people leaving hospital or who live in unsuitable accommodation was chosen out of 100 entries for the National Housing Federation’s Community Impact Week awards.

Bradford Respite and Integrated Care and Support Service (BRICSS), run by Horton Housing in partnership with Bevan Healthcare CIC, was shortlisted by industry judges for the Health and Wellbeing category.

The awards recognise the difference housing associations make to neighbourhoods and local people, celebrating and highlighting the diverse range of achievements and projects across the country. Other categories were Greener Living, Better Neighbourhoods and Investing in People.

Paul Gartland, chief executive of Horton Housing, said the respite and care service had transformed hundreds of lives already in its first two years.

Bingley granddad Paul Birtle, 50, is one of those people helped by the scheme after he broke his spine in a bad fall. He was referred from Bradford Royal Infirmary and got a place to live with Horton Housing where a doctor from Bevan Healthcare comes to see him once a week getting him on the road to recovery, he has also managed to stop drinking.

“I don’t want to leave. I love it. Any problems you have, you just go and see the staff and they’ll help you. I couldn’t wish for a better place. The staff have got your back. They are helping me to get my act together," he said.

Another man was helped after having part of his leg amputated. He had lived with his grandmother but had had to sell her house to pay for her care leaving him homeless. His options leaving hospital were to sofa surf or try to live on the streets, in a wheelchair until the scheme offered him a roof over his head.

Mr Gartland said: "BRICSS has transformed hundreds of people’s lives in the Bradford district since its launch two years ago. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the team, and everyone who has contributed to the service."

And Gina Rowlands, managing director of Bevan Healthcare CIC, said: “This is a well deserved award for the BRICSS project.

"It is a truly innovative way of delivering immediate care to some of the most vulnerable members of society. This has been achieved through partnership working and integrating health and social care. It has shown forward thinking from both the CCGs and Public Health in Bradford.”