South Lakes Housing has secured national recognition for its work to make its homes and services safer and more inclusive for LGBTQ+ residents.
The housing provider has been awarded LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge Pioneer status by HouseProud, a national scheme delivered by Stonewall Housing. The scheme supports social housing providers to show how they are improving equality, inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ people, including those experiencing homelessness or unsafe housing.
South Lakes Housing said the award recognises its commitment to creating homes and services where residents feel respected, supported and able to be themselves.
What the assessment recognised
South Lakes Housing signed up to the pledge in October 2025, setting an ambition to become the first housing provider in Cumbria to achieve Pioneer status.
To receive the award, the organisation demonstrated evidence across the scheme’s core commitments, including resident engagement, communications and training.
Assessment feedback highlighted several areas of work. These included South Lakes Housing’s relationship with Rainbow Roofs, attendance at Kendal Pride, communications explaining what the pledge means for residents, internal training for managers and staff testimonials about the effect of LGBTQ+ inclusion training.
The recognition applies to South Lakes Housing’s services and communities, with the organisation saying the work is part of a wider commitment to make services fair, welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Further engagement planned before 2028
The assessment panel encouraged South Lakes Housing to continue developing its engagement with LGBTQ+ residents. Suggested opportunities include conversations, focus groups, resident forums and events, allowing residents to share their experiences and influence how services are delivered.
Pam Mastrantonio, chief executive at South Lakes Housing, said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge Pioneer status. At SLH we live and work according to our values. We all belong at SLH and everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and able to be themselves at home, and this award recognises the commitment our colleagues, residents and partners have shown in helping us strengthen LGBTQ+ inclusion across our services. We know this is part of an ongoing journey, and we will continue to listen, learn and work with residents to make sure their voices help shape the way we deliver inclusive homes and communities.”
Leanne, a customer services team leader at South Lakes Housing, said: “I felt it was important for us to take part in the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge because every resident should feel safe, respected and able to be themselves when they contact us or live in one of our homes. Signing up gave us a clear way to show that inclusion is not just about words, but about listening, learning and making sure our services are welcoming for everyone.”
South Lakes Housing’s Pioneer status runs until 2028. The organisation will then be invited to resubmit and demonstrate further progress.
Residents who want to find out more about South Lakes Housing’s equality, diversity and inclusion work, or share views on how its services could be more inclusive, can contact their local South Lakes Housing team.