Francesca Roberts and Emma Brophy from CRASH, the construction and property industry charity, visited Downing Street recently to accept the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award.

The charity was recognised for its work with homelessness charities throughout the UK. Last year, it supported 68 homelessness projects, leveraging £188,974 of pro-bono professional expertise, £190,391 of donated and discounted materials and cash grants totalling £155,586 to help improve buildings and services.

Held in the state rooms at 10 Downing Street, the recent celebration allowed Ms Roberts and Ms Brophy to explain firsthand to David Cameron how CRASH is able to build and refurbish emergency night shelters, hostels and day centres, through bespoke partnerships across the construction and property industry.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The innovative approach CRASH takes harnesses the world-class skills and products of our construction industry to tackle the issue of homelessness. This Big Society Award recognises the remarkable achievements of everyone involved.”

Ms Roberts, chief executive of CRASH, added: “We are thrilled and proud that the work of CRASH has been recognised by the Prime Minister. CRASH is the big society in action; the charity lies at the heart of the construction and property industry and is the conduit by which the companies and their employees can practically put something back to help communities across the UK.

“This award honours the people and the companies who do so much to share their expertise, time and skill to help homeless people. CRASH is all about sharing what you are naturally good at, and sharing of ourselves is what charity is all about.”