Matrix Chair's charity bike ride

Published by Dawn Prentice for Dawn Prentice Communications in Communities and also in Education, Environment, Health, Housing

Caught up in Olympic cycling fever and ahead of the tour of Britain, Matrix Housing Partnership had its own charity Bike Ride.  Team Matrix’s two day tour of the Midlands to raise money for homeless charity Shelter was challenging.

The tour started in Lichfield and ended in Broadway covering over 200 kilometres, incorporating visits to a range of schemes for vulnerable people across the East and West Midlands.  This includes homes for young and older people, low income families, people with disabilities (including mental health issues), tenant managed homes and homebuyers who are downsizing or getting a foot on the property ladder. 

Team Matrix includes CEOs and senior managers from the member organisations:

Mike Pritty – Chair of Matrix and the Trident Social Investment Group

Ron Dougan – Chief Executive,Trent & Dove Housing

Jas Bains – Chief Executive, Ashram Housing

Keith Jervis – Board member of Trident Social Investment Group

Anil Farmah, Graham Robinson and John Bedford, senior managers at the Accord Group

David Hannon - Development Director, Rooftop

Guest riders Steve Jackson and Darren Eccleston from Wates Living Space

Joined by Olympic finalist Jess Varnish in Dudley!

Mike Pritty, Chair of Matrix said, ‘The origins of the bike ride can be traced back to a meeting on a dark winter’s night, when I wanted to know where the Matrix Housing Partnership’s projects were, what services they provided, and if they worked for their residents. As well as encouraging cycling, I thought the bike ride would be a chance to meet our residents and also provide an opportunity for cross-group teambuilding. 

'We are a diverse partnership though with shared values, all working together to serve our communities across the Midlands.  In these challenging times, the issue is about building strengths for the future with an emphasis on wellbeing. 

'Matrix can’t solve all the problems experienced by its residents, but with the right approach the partnership can help people to improve their health and life chances. We were also able to raise money for Shelter as a by-product and I am delighted and very proud that our Jess, a local girl and Olympic finalist, turned out to support our effort.’                                                      

Olympic finalist Jess Varnish said:‘‘British cycling is the best in the world and it is great to see local people like Team Matrix, using their cycles to raise money for homeless people. Mike Pritty and Team Matrix demonstrate the commitment of social housing organisations in the West Midlands. Not only do housing associations play an important role in providing affordable homes and supporting communities and residents, but those who work for them often go beyond their paid duties to raise funds for charities that help some of society’s most vulnerable people.’  

Team Matrix’s effort raised over £5,000 ahead of the bike ride for homeless charity Shelter. All monies raised will be matched by members of the Matrix, the Midlands’ major social housing and regeneration partnership. Anyone wanting to make a donation please contact Debbie Hanley on 0121 633 4633 or email debbieh@trident-ha.org.uk