CCH is so proud to see our member Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Association (BNCHA) win the ‘Most Innovative Approach to Culture and Wellbeing’ Award at the prestigious Housing Digital Housing Innovation Awards ceremony on 12 February 2025. A great start to the International Year of Co-operatives 2025, and a great way to show the wider housing sector how great co-operatives can be!
Over the last four years BNCHA, in Leicester, has blossomed from a struggling co-operative into a vibrant community hub, driven by the passion of its volunteers. Initiatives like the Belgrave Community Food Hub and EKTA (symbolising unity). Sessions have not only supported residents in practical ways but also fostered deep connections and a true sense of belonging. With a focus on wellbeing, empowerment, and togetherness, BNCHA has become a shining example of how a co-operative can transform lives and inspire positive change.
Jaimini Bharakhada, Chair – BCNHA and Board Member of CCH, said:
“The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives, so Belgrave Co-operative Neighbourhood Housing Association is incredibly pleased to have won this award to shine a light on the great work that housing co-operatives do, not just in the UK but all over the world.
BCNHA has worked really hard over the last 4 years to bring this community together to create a renewed approach to wellbeing and culture, not just within the co-operative, but also the wider area of Leicester.
Happy International Year of Co-operatives everyone!”