Cestria Community Housing is celebrating after it won a regional award in recognition for their efforts to recruit young long-term unemployed people.

The association won the ‘Youth Employment Award’ at the Jobcentre Plus Awards 2010 in recognition for their commitment to recruit young people.

The awards salute employers who have helped to change people’s lives and made an important contribution to communities through a successful working relationship with Jobcentre Plus.

Cestria Community Housing has been working in partnership with the local Jobcentre Plus branch based in Front Street, Chester-le-Street to provide job opportunities for long-term unemployed people by enhancing their skills and giving them the opportunity to secure full time employment in the future.

Director of housing and communities, Paul Stephens who collected the award on behalf of the association, said: “This is a magnificent achievement for Cestria Community Housing. To win this award and be recognised as an employer that is committed to helping young people back into work is a real honour.”

“Despite the current economic and financial climate, we have still been able to create new jobs and opportunities for local people. During transfer, we promised to invest in homes, services and communities and this award recognises that achievement.”

Judge Gillian Miller from the Skills Funding Agency, said: “With the support of Jobcentre Plus, Cestria Community Housing has demonstrated what can be achieved when an employer is willing to give long term unemployed people a second chance.”