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Press Release |
Ref:PRSH248
Date: 25thSeptember 2018
Wizard of Oz characters showcase SARH success
A touch of Hollywood magic has helped a Stafford-based housing association to reinforce the messages that ‘There's No Place Like Home.
During its annual general meeting, Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH), screened a short film based on the Wizard of Oz to highlight its many successes over the past 12 months.
Showcasing the ongoing success of award-winning allotment schemes to projects aimed at tackling rural loneliness and isolation, the film starred members of staff dressed as leading characters from the classic movie. It also helped to re-enforce key messages highlighted by the AGM, that SARH is committed to growth, building new affordable homes and strengthening local communities.
The AGM also marked the ‘premier' of another SARH production, a new charity that aims to support community groups in neighbourhoods served by the area's leading provider of affordable homes.
The event at the housing association's headquarters in Parker Court, Stafford, saw the SARH C.A.R.E.S. Foundation Charity make its first donation to an organisation that provides a host of activities for young people and vulnerable adults with learning and social difficulties.
Also based in Stafford, the WhyCh Youth Group is typical of the organisations and initiatives the Foundation aims to support through the fundraising efforts of SARH employees.
Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, explained: "We know that delivering quality, affordable homes to rent is about much more than bricks and mortar.
"Strong, healthy communities are vital in creating better places to live, work and grow and the new C.A.R.E.S. Foundation will provide a welcome boost to organisations and individuals that share our values when it comes to helping some of the most vulnerable in the community - including those who are affected by homelessness, social isolation or severe hardship."
As well as the launch of the Foundation, the AGM featured the presentation of the SARH Good Neighbour Awards to Tony Simcox, Coton Fields and Lawrence Burninham and an update on recognition for the organisation itself.
SARH Chair, Alison Hadden explained: "This year SARH achieved a notable double, being placed second overall in the Times Top 100 Not for Profit Companies to work for list whilst our Chief Executive, was recognised by Inside Housing magazine as Housing Heroes Mentor of the Year."
Alison also told invited guests, including SARH customers and civic leaders, that the theme of the meeting - There's No Place Like Home - captured the essence of the organisation.
"A decent home is the first essential for people to live fulfilling, secure and independent lives, whilst making the neighbourhoods served by SARH great places to Live, Work and Grow," she added.
Caption:Stars of the show at The SARH AGM are (left to right) Karen Armitage, CEO as The Great Oz; ‘Executive Producer'Mara Hargreaves;Adela Gilmour as Assistant to the Great Oz;Paul Robinson as Lion;Martha Cooper, Costume and Make-Up; Debbie Dunn as Glenda Fairly andEvie Smith as Sarah Homer (Dorothy). Also pictured are the SARH Trades MunchkinsWayne Clarke, Mac McGregor, Martin Grocott and Andrew Beeston (Scarecrow) and Richard Green (Tin Man).
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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, SARHset up a trading subsidiary company Housing Worx, to deliver planned maintenance works to its properties and fulfil commercial contracts in 2012. SARHalso offers 18 Independent Living schemes for people aged over 55 andan 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)