ERoSH gives its first lifetime achievement award

ERoSH has awarded sheltered housing guru, Lyn Thompson a lifetime achievement award for her outstanding contribution to the sheltered and retirement housing sector.

The award – an engraved crystal bowl – was handed over at this month's Chartered Institute of Housing's Sheltered Housing conference in Heathrow. It was the first time that the housing charity has awarded a lifetime achievement.

Lyn, whose housing career spans 27 years, began as a scheme manager. She retired earlier this year as Academic Director of the Centre for Sheltered Housing Studies. She has been instrumental in raising the profile of the sector through her work as a practitioner, teacher and trainer, and through many pressure groups and interest groups, including the Equal Project and ERoSH, of which she was key to establishing it charitable status.

Lyn did not know she was to be given the award. She said: 'I am completely surprised, and absolutely delighted! It is a great honour to be recognised in this way, and especially to be the first recipient of this ERoSH award.'

Lucy Cooper, ERoSH Chair who presented the award, said: 'I am delighted that the first such award has been presented to Lyn in recognition of the work she has done over many years. Lyn has been a champion of the modern sheltered housing service.

'Lyn has demonstrated over the years a passion and a commitment to get the excellent work of the unsung heroines and heroes on the frontline in sheltered housing, recognised and appreciated. Now it is her turn.'

Lyn was attending the conference with consultant and ERoSH trustee, Imogen Parry, to launch the Chartered Institute of Housing's new Good Practice Guide for Sheltered Housing, of which they are the authors.