A UNIQUE training programme aimed at helping young homeless women in Cheshire has been shortlisted for a prestigious housing award.

The WOTEVA programme, part of Weaver Vale Housing Trust’s Cotswold House project, has been nominated for the Housing Consortium’s Northern Silver Screen Award.

The programme offers learning opportunities and work experience for homeless women at the Trust’s supported accommodation scheme, Cotswold House, in Winsford.

Now in its fifth year, the awards aim to showcase and celebrate some of the most innovative and life-transforming work carried out by its members in the communities they serve.

Lesley Dryhurst, Lottery co-ordinator for Weaver Vale Housing Trust, said: “The aim of the WOTEVA programme is to give young women at Cotswold House access to a range of life and work skills through training, education and employment, all of which will help them as they look to build a successful and independent life for themselves.

“During the past four years we have made real differences to the lives of 126 homeless young women and continuously improved our reputation in the local community whilst building important links with local providers,” said Lesley.

The competition covers the themes of community engagement, education and employment and looks at how members are carrying out pioneering work aimed at helping young people get off to a better start in life and make a valued contribution to society.

Shortlisted nominations now have to produce a short film to encapsulate what their initiative is all about and the outcomes it delivers.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at York Racecourse on November 29.