A HOME improvement project which transforms the lives of the long-term unemployed in north Durham has made it through to the finals of a national competition.

The Derwentside Homes scheme won the Building Futures award and was voted the overall regional winner for the North-East in the National Housing Federation’s Community Impact Awards.

Against a backdrop of high youth unemployment Shed (Social Housing Enterprise Durham), has helped get people back into work and training by carrying out home-improvement services across Derwentside.

The scheme is open to all local residents and offers a range of services including gardening, decorating and small repairs.

Since launching last February, the team has carried out more than 200 repairs and 6,000 gardening jobs.

A small fee is charged for each home-improvement service, so SHED is a self-sufficient not for profit organisation.

Keith Tallentire, director of resources at Derwentside Homes said: “Research we carried out in our communities revealed that high unemployment, especially among young people, was one of the biggest concerns.

“SHED not only provides training and employment but also a much needed local service, meaning it benefits the whole community.”