The Cumbrian based Debt Rescue and Money Advice partnership (DRAMA) has been shortlisted from more than 300 entries to the 2010 Housing Heroes Awards, organised by Inside Housing Magazine and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

The awards aim to ensure that the ‘unsung heroes’ of the social housing world are recognised and rewarded for their contribution in making the sector so vibrant and caring. Now in their second year, they will once again shine the spotlight on the people and teams that are doing great work in the social/affordable housing sector.

DRAMA is a broad partnership involving representatives from Cumbria’s Credit Unions, Social Landlords, Local Authorities and Citizen’s Advice Bureaux. It was established in 2007 to help people who are financially excluded, many of whom are living on low incomes and cannot access mainstream financial products and can therefore fall victim to doorstep lenders and loan sharks.

The DRAMA partnership is now one of six left in the running for the ‘Ground Breaking Service Team of the Year’ award. The partnership has been recognised for its wide range of support and advice services aimed at combating financial exclusion.

Robert Porter, Chair of DRAMA said:

“We are pleased to have been able to provide debt relief to some of the worst affected families in Cumbria and help them escape the stranglehold of debt. To be named as a finalist in these prestigious awards is confirmation that the partnership is really delivering a leading service for customers”.

Howard Farrand, the President of the CIH said:

“In my experience it is the extraordinary people that do fantastic work for our customers that make the real difference. I want to congratulate every finalist for getting this far in these awards. It was extremely tightly contested and I look forward to helping to unveil the eventual winners in May.”

The winners of the awards will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at London’s Hilton Hotel on 14 May hosted by TV presenter, Antarctic explorer and Atlantic rower, Ben Fogle. The awards are sponsored by Campbell Tickell, EMA, Asset Skills, Synergy Group and The Hire Standard. Last year more thank 700 people attended.