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Date: 22 January2018

SARH parcels provide boost for food banks

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Local food banks have received a massive boost thanks to the efforts of staff at Stafford's leading provider of affordable homes, Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH).

As well as raising more than £2,000 during events over the past 12 months, they've also donated hundreds of parcels containing food and essential household items for distribution to the most vulnerable members of the communities they serve.

Every year employees at the housing association nominate a charity to support and in 2017 they pledged to back local food banks and other organisations that provide support to those in need.

Jo Hough, Director of Organisational Development at the housing association, explained: "As an organisation we've seen the ongoing impact of welfare reforms on the most vulnerable members of the community and we are all aware of the valuable work done by local food banks.

"The appeal for food, toiletries and other essential items really struck a cord with us and together we've collected around 1,850 items worth an estimated £2,300. This is on top of the £2,200 we've raised through other fundraising events through the year and everyone can be proud of their efforts."

The latest load of essential items was collected from the housing association's headquarters in Parker Court by Ken Down, Executive Centre Manager at the Signpost charity in Highfields.

"A big thank you to everyone who has supported the efforts of the SARH team, they can be sure that their donations will be distributed to those most in need and people will make good use of them," added Ken, who is pictured here with Keira Morton, Homes Manager and Steph Burrows, PA to the Directors.

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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