Charity launched to help improve the lives of local people and support communities » Housing » 24dash.com

Town & Country Foundation has been created by the Tunbridge Wells-based housing association Town & Country Housing Group with the goal to “create places where people can prosper”.

It was launched at a special event at Salomons, Southborough.

Partner agencies, community groups, Town & Country Housing staff and Board members were treated to a showcase of Town & Country Housing’s community based work from the past year.

Artwork and photographs from different projects, including murals, a walking sculpture trail and Chinese lanterns, were on display.

It was also a chance to learn about plans for initiatives and services that will improve local communities in the future.

As a registered charity, the Foundation will develop the community based work that Town & Country Housing has become well known for locally.

Its plans include:
•Delivering financial inclusion to excluded communities by introducing credit union facilities, low cost insurance and debt advice;
•Focusing on health needs such as access to counselling, support and daily-living aids and adaptations;
•Developing support and services for families;
•Addressing the negative impact of domestic abuse and long term care responsibilities;
•Encouraging people to get involved in their neighbourhood, supporting local community groups and increasing opportunities for volunteering;
•Working in partnership with other organisations to deliver local improvements to the environment and improve community facilities.

Town & Country Foundation works with local community groups including Better Living in Southborough Society (BLISS), Barnett’s Wood Residents’ Association, Community of Oak Road Estate (CORE), Sherwood People’s Action (SPA), TN2 Community Centre, Sherwood, and Number One Community Centre, Showfields.

It will use its charitable status to apply for grants and donations and then invest money in a range of community development projects.

It will work both with its own tenants and with people in the wider community to create sustainable communities by supporting residents to achieve their potential.

Head of community investment Jackie Sumner said: “Charitable status provides us with a fantastic opportunity to make a positive difference in the day-to-day lives of individuals, families and communities.

“We are committed to tackling long standing issues around poverty, ill health, and low aspirations, together with our partners.

“These problems impact negatively on a number of our residents’ lives.”

Town & Country Foundation is the charity of Town & Country Housing, which aims to create places where people can prosper.

Town & Country Housing Group provides 7,000 affordable homes across the South East and is a Housing Corporation development partner.