Hastoe is committed to leading in the 'creation of sustainable homes and sustainable communities'. We offer innovative and effective ways to involve our residnets in the work we do and provide ways for them to address their housing and community priorities. Within our communities there is a wealth of knowledge and expertise and as a housing association we are ideally placed to deliver services for these neighbourhoods and communities as well as encourage and support community engagement and empowerment. Our
Community Development Strategy sets out how we aim to do this.
The Bernard Herridge CharityThe Bernard Herridge Charity Hastoe is a corporate trustee of the Bernard Herridge charity. The objective of the charity is to provide support to meet the needs of older poeple in Somerset. Currently it provides housing in six bungalows in Wincanton, but we were keen to entend this work to projects that make a real difference and have an impact on people's lives, addressing the disadvantages that older people face. The Community Development Team have been working closely with Somerset Community Foundation to rasie the profile of the Bernard Herridge Charity and invite voluntary and community organisations to apply for funding in order to find new and innovative ways to tackle the challenges that older people face. We are looking to support projects that increase access to support and advice, combat loneliness, promote independance and address fuel poverty.
Plunkett FoundationThe Plunkett Foundation helps rural communities through community-ownership to take control of the issues affecting them. It is estimated that village shops close at a rate of 400 per annum and in many villages local people are joining forces to tackle the issues they face by setting up community-owned social enterprises. Our Area Housing Managers are already supporting similar intiaitves and we are developing a training programme for frontline staff that will give them the opportunity to share ideas, empower residents and understand better the communities we work with.
Job Seeking Skills ProgrammeWe are working in partnership with AmicusHorizon, Viridian, L&Q, CCHA and Hays Recruitment to offer a job seeking skills programme to our residents in Croydon. The programme will last for ten weeks and participants will take part in 1-1 career coaching sessions, job seeking skills workshops covering everything from writing a CV to what to expect on the first day in a new job and one week's work experience.
Local community strategies and action plans
Area Housing Managers have been working alongside residents to develop local community strategies and action plans based on the particular needs and priorities of the neighbourhood. Many community projects have been developed including weekly football sessions for young people in Bognor, setting up resident associations, sewing groups, providing computer and internet access in a new community room and a community garden.
If you would like to find out more about any of the projects or discuss ways to get involved in your community please contact a member of the Community Development Team on 0300 123 2250.