Ref:PRSH196Date: 06th Nov 2017

Growing grants boost for local communities

A Stafford-based housing association has launched a new grant scheme, with £1,000 set aside to help customers improve the environment around their homes. 

To mark the start of the housing sector's Community Impact Week, Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) has launched a new initiative aimed at encouraging people to get out in the fresh air and improve their health with a spot of gardening.

The area's leading provider of affordable homes is offering two ‘Growing Grants' - worth £500 each - for projects that could transform an unloved plot of land into a communal garden, a haven for wildlife or a space to grow fresh vegetables.

Laura Turner, Customer Engagement Advisor at SARH, explained: "We're wide open to ideas and we want to hear from any customers - or voluntary groups in the areas we serve - with a plan to use their green fingers to the benefit of their community."

The initiative follows the success of a popular annual gardens competition, organised by SARH. Commercial sponsorship raised as part of the competition - including a donation by one of the housing association's construction partners, Jessup Brothers - is being used to fund the latest initiative that looks set to create even more award-winning spaces.

"We know that a spot of gardening can really help people to improve their physical and mental health by offering them exercise and a chance to meet up with neighbours whilst doing something that will make their neighbourhood an even better place to live," Laura said.

"The Growing Grants also sit really well with our existing ‘Growing Health' project which has seen a number of disused plots of land transformed into thriving community allotments."

The launch of the grants is just one of a number of activities by SARH to mark the National Housing Federation's Community Impact Week, which aims to showcase the way housing associations across the UK improve the lives of people living in the cities, towns and villages they operate in

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive added: "The most successful projects are the ones where people take it upon themselves to improve the areas where they live and we're delighted to be able to support them through the Growing Grants.

"Community Impact Week also enables us to showcase the difference we are making in Stafford and surrounding areas and our commitment to making every contact with customers and the community count."

To find out how to apply for a grant, visit www.sarh.co.uk/growinggrant

Caption: Laura Turner, Customer Engagement Advisor at SARH

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About Stafford and Rural Homes

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is the largest social landlord in Stafford with around 6,000 homes across Stafford, Stone and the rural villages across the Borough. Established in 2006 to own and manage the former Stafford Borough Council housing stock, SARH set up a trading subsidiary company Housing Worx, to deliver planned maintenance works to its properties and fulfil commercial contracts in 2012. SARH also offers 18 Independent Living schemes for people aged over 55 and an award winning Telecare home safety and personal security system for the elderly and vulnerable. SARH has invested more than £100 million on improvement and regeneration programmes and building over 500 high quality new homes for rent and shared ownership which have benefited SARH customers by improving neighbourhoods and creating job opportunities for local people. The housing association works in partnership with local authorities, health trusts, statutory bodies and a range of voluntary organisations to create safe, sustainable communities where residents can ‘Live, Work and Grow'.

Follow SARH on Twitter@SARHomes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e:mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk