Shropshire debt advisor scoops national award

The Wrekin’s Housing Group’s Dan Bebbington beat competition from across the country be named ‘Inspirational Colleague of the Year’ at the Housing Heroes Awards.

As Wrekin’s Debt & Energy Manager, Dan has made a difference to the lives of hundreds of tenants. Since joining the Group in 2019, Daniel and his colleagues in the Money Matters team have so far successfully secured £882k in extra income for Wrekin tenants – by securing Discretionary Housing Payments, writing off debt, reducing people’s utility bills and securing charitable grants.

Dan is also a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He was a founding member of ‘Proud to be Me’ – Wrekin’s first ever LGBTQ+ staff group. Dan’s award also recognises his willingness to help others – whether it’s a customer of a colleague. During pandemic, he volunteered his time to work at one of Wrekin’s extra care schemes - working weekends to support frontline staff as they provided care to vulnerable residents.

Dan is also a trained ‘Mental Health’ First Aider, and has been called upon to support colleagues with their mental wellbeing. He has used his own initiative to check in with his colleagues to make sure they are ok and support those who were struggling.

Dan was one of several members of The Wrekin Housing Group who received nominations at the Housing Heroes awards, which were held at Manchester Central. Dan’s colleagues in the Money Matters Team were nominated for ‘Team of the Year’. Training Development Officer Rachel Morgan was shortlisted for her tireless campaigning around LGBTQ+ issues and plumbing apprentice Simone Hitchin was recognised in the ‘Outstanding Achievement by Apprentices’ category.

Dan said: “I am absolutely delighted and surprised to have won the Inspirational Colleague award. It has taken a little while to sink in. It is a great honour and a testament to the professional and personal support I’ve received from my colleagues here at Wrekin. it is an honour to receive an award for something you really enjoy doing and for helping people out.

“I am proud to be part of Wrekin’s Money Matters team. Throughout the past two years, our team have not only assisted people who have been financially affected by the pandemic, but also continued to provide an outstanding debt advice service – whilst living through and facing their own challenges throughout this unprecedented time.”

David Wells, Executive Director of Operational Services at The Wrekin Housing Group said:

“Dan has an outstanding track record and I am thrilled that his efforts have been recognised in this way.

“Dan realises there isn’t a one-size fits all approach when it comes to debt management, and he will always tailor his support to a person’s specific need. He has supported people that are facing considerable challenges - including poor mental health; language barriers and domestic violence. What makes Dan stand is out is his unwavering willingness to help others – whether it’s a customer or colleague.

“Dan’s intervention has prevented many people from being taken to court or from losing their homes. He’s able to put people at ease and get them to open up while delivering often hard news about financial priorities.”