Press Release

iNvesting in neighbourhoods - More than just a landlord

26/01/05
Ref: pr 0060

CHPs' Charitable Trust launches £250,000 Neighbourhood Improvement fund to improve neighbourhoods and tackle deprivation and disadvantage for Essex residents through partnerships and funding arrangements.

First donation of £2500 made to Hearing Help Essex (HHE) with Deaf Awareness training set to be delivered to CHPs front-line staff. Anita Sartain, Director of HHE said: "We're grateful to CHP for recognising how important our work is. Hearing loss is a hidden disability often overlooked which can leave people feeling very lonely and isolated."

Contributing to the local, regional and national improvement and sustainability priorities, the Neighbourhood Improvement funds' top priorities are promoting healthy living, improving skills through training, greater access to community facilities, and tackling financial exclusion. "Not everyone has the same opportunities in life and the Charitable Trust is keen to raise awareness of others' needs and level out the playing field," said Keith Andrew, Trust board member. "It's early days but we're working with various agencies to help improve access to services in communities and improve the quality of life for Essex residents."

CHP iNvests in neighbourhoods...HOW?

CHP is looking in to ways to help PROACT, a local BME community group, set up a community venue and in setting up a BME network consisting of various agencies. Continuing commitment to PROACT has also seen computer equipment donated and sponsorship of their community fun day in February. PROACT also added to Christmas magic for CHP residents by giving out presents at CHPs Santa's grotto.

CHP fully supports CROFT, a local furniture-recycling charity. CHP works with CROFT throughout the year by donating abandoned furniture that they recycle and give to households with lower incomes. CROFT is also set to receive a donation from the Neighbourhood Improvement fund soon.

Long-standing partnership agreements also exist with various local housing associations and support agencies. CHP leases several supported homes to the learning disabled and young people leaving the care system. They also provide supported mother and baby units, single homeless units, and several units for use as Intermediate Care for people who need to ease back in to independent living after leaving hospital.

In its early stages, CHP is also currently working on a project with partners from both public and private sector in setting up an Essex-wide credit union to help prevent indebtedness and poverty.

ENDS

Editors Note:

• The iN Business for neighbourhoods campaign was launched in September 2003 as the NHF's vision to change the opinion of 'social' housing. iN puts the emphasis on customers, neighbourhoods and excellence and asks affordable housing landlords to raise the profile of the contributions they make to neighbourhoods and communities.
• CHP will consult residents to find out real local needs at a series of Neighbourhood Improvement roadshows in February. This information will help frame a long-term Neighbourhood Improvement strategy and action plan.
• PROACT is a BME-led organisation that aims to offer advice and support to people experiencing difficulties accessing key public services such as housing, health and police. They help people experiencing discrimination because ethnic or social background.
• CROFT recycles enough furniture to equip around 200 to 300 homes each year.
• Contact Victoria Norton on 01245 613111 or victoria.norton@chelmerhp.org.uk for further details.