LONDON, June 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

- With photo

A homelessness charity that works collaboratively with the construction and property industry has been recognised by the Prime Minister with a Big Society Award.

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130724/629940)

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140603/690224 )

CRASH, established in 1996, has developed bespoke partnerships with 29 Patron companies across the construction and property industry to build and refurbish emergency night shelters, hostels and day centres. The organisation empowers companies to provide expertise, materials and donations to charities on the frontline of the fight against homelessness.

Last year, CRASH supported 68 homelessness projects, leveraging £188,974 of pro-bono professional expertise, £190,391 of donated and discounted materials and cash grants totalling £155,586 to help improve buildings and services.  

Prime  Minister  David  Cameron  said: 

"The innovative approach CRASH takes harnesses the world-class skills and products of our construction industry to tackle the issue of homelessness

"This Big Society Award recognises the remarkable achievements of everyone involved."

CRASH  Chief  Executive  Francesca  Roberts  said:

"We are thrilled and proud that the work of CRASH has been recognised by the Prime Minister. CRASH is the Big Society in action; the charity lies at the heart of the construction and property industry and is the conduit by which the companies and their employees can practically put something back to help communities across the UK.

"This award honours the people and the companies who do so much to share their expertise, time and skill to help homeless people.  CRASH is all about sharing what you are naturally good at - and sharing of ourselves is what charity is all about."

CRASH  Patron  Companies

A-Plant , ACO Technologies , AECOM, CDI AndersElite, Areen Design, Argent LLP, Balfour Beatty, BAM Construct UK, Bauder, British Gypsum , Buildbase, Carillion, City & Guilds, Akzonobel Dulux Trade , EC Harris LLP, Galliford Try, Hanson , Hilti (GB) Ltd, Imtech, Knauf , KOREC , Land Securities, Lend Lease , Network Rail , RedSky IT, Ryder Architecture, Siniat, Sto Ltd , Taylor Wimpey.

On  the  Big  Society  Awards

The Big Society Awards were set up by the Prime Minister in November 2010. The aim is to acknowledge individuals and organisations across the UK that demonstrates the Big Society in their work or activities. In so doing, the aim is also to galvanise others to follow.

Over 100 winners have been announced to date. Previous Big Society Award Winners include:

Homeless  FA

The charity uses football to reach homeless people. Their programmes inspire and support a wrap around training programme. Homeless FA has links to the FA and other clubs.

Nightstop  North  East

Nightstop North East provides emergency accommodation for young people aged 16 to 25 who are at risk of becoming homeless or who are homeless, in the homes of trained volunteer hosts.

For more information:

http://www.bigsocietyawards.org

http://www.crash.org.uk/

Notes  to  Editors

Images and case studies available upon request.

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.

For Media Enquiries, please contact:

Emma Brophy, Communications Manager, ebrophy@crash.org.uk +44-(0)208-742-0717

SOURCE CRASH