A member of staff from Coastline Housing is celebrating after becoming one of the first people in Cornwall to receive a prestigious national housing qualification.

Alice Blenes, who works as a Senior Supported Housing Officer for the regional housing association, has recently been awarded the Foundation Degree in Housing with Support. This is the first time this qualification has been available in Cornwall.

Offered by the Centre for Housing and Support and validated by the University of Plymouth, the degree is a three-year flexible learning course, designed in partnership with employers to equip people with the relevant knowledge and skills for business.

Alice is responsible for supporting the care and well-being of Coastline’s sheltered housing residents and believes the qualification is invaluable in supporting her current role.

‘I embarked on the course because I wanted to extend my skills while continuing to work. I was supported and funded all the way by Coastline. It has been a fantastic opportunity, and it has given me the knowledge to do my job even better,’ said Alice.

As an Investor in People organisation, Coastline prides itself on offering a wide range of training and development opportunities to its staff. Director of Corporate Services, David Wingham said, ‘From Coastline’s perspective it is of paramount importance to have skilled and qualified people so that we can provide the very best service to our customers.’