A Croydon Council programme aimed at preventing those on the brink of homelessness from ending up on the streets has been shortlisted for a London-wide award.

The Gateway initiative has been named one of three winners in the London Homelessness Awards, which celebrates innovative and sustainable services that improve the lives of homeless people.

Launched last year, Gateway provides a dedicated advisor to those most at risk of homelessness to help them better manage their finances and maximise their income.

When it was launched it was the first combined council department in the country – covering housing, benefits, debt management and social care assessment – to support families affected by Government welfare reforms like the benefit cap and universal credit.

So far the scheme has helped more than 1,000 families avoid homelessness, 5,400 people to become more financially independent, and got 587 into employment.

The award letter to Mark Fowler, the council’s director of gateway and welfare, congratulated the authority on its commitment to working on the Gateway service.

Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “Gateway is a superb example of how this council improves the lives of Croydon families who need our help, so I’m really pleased it’s getting wider recognition.

“I am very proud of our staff who give families real financial breathing space so they can pay their bills and then get support to feel more confident and boost their job prospects.

“We’ve had great feedback from people we’ve helped, and we’re already exploring ways of broadening the joined-up Gateway approach to support homeless people with more complex needs.”

The London Homelessness Awards are open to all projects in London working for at least six months in the field of homelessness, including registered social landlords, local councils, NHS and health-related organisations and voluntary organisations.

The winner, to be announced at an awards ceremony in October, will win £30,000 and the two runners-up will win £25,000.