A life-changing scheme to help the homeless has been recognised for its excellence in a prestigious national list.

Egremont’s Calderwood House has been hailed for its ground-breaking impact on the community by one of the country’s top banks.

Since opening twelve months ago, the homeless hostel has helped 30 struggling people by offering shelter and providing employment opportunities.

Hailed as a “fantastic achievement” by director Rachel Holliday, the social enterprise came first in the north west section of the NatWest SE100 growth index and second in the countrywide list.

The index ranks successful social enterprises based on their growth and impact.

“I am immensely proud of everything that we have achieved at Calderwood House over the last year,” said Mrs Holliday, who set up the hostel.

“The recognition here is a fantastic achievement for us all; staff, residents, directors and the local community, which has welcomed us into their hearts.”

Time to Change and Calderwood House, which celebrates its first birthday this month, exist to tackle issues around homelessness in west Cumbria through improving life chances and helping the local community.

Before the hostel was opened in September 2015 critics were worried it would increase crime and disorder in Egremont.

But throughout its first year the residents have supported community events and were rewarded with Egremont Town Council’s Good Citizen Award for 2016, which recognises an individual or group that has gone above and beyond for Egremont.

“My vision for Calderwood House is about tackling homelessness in our area but it is also about challenging old views and negative opinions of what homelessness actually is in west Cumbria,” said Mrs Holliday.

“I believe that through the many community activities we have been involved with we have been able to achieve exactly that.”

NatWest’s SE100 index tracks data from all social enterprises. The index aims to give people an understanding of the successful organisations operating today by tracking growth and impact.

“It has been an inspiration to watch the team grow and learn over the last year. They are driven to excel in their service provision for residents,” said Nicola Lynch, of LynchPin Support, who has worked closely with the Calderwood House team over the last year.

“They also care enough to continually question their achievements and aren’t afraid to evaluate what they are doing honestly so that they continue to deliver for all their stakeholders.”