G15 publishes Community Impact Report 2023
The G15 group of London’s largest housing associations has published its Community Impact Report 2023, revealing that members have contributed more than £500m in social value through a range of community projects.
‘Beyond Housing’ showcases the breadth and reach of services members are providing through partnerships with local people, community groups and grassroots organisations.
The group of social landlords helped more than 6,000 people into work and training. In addition, 23,000 residents received money guidance and over 30,000 older people took part in social activities.
Programmes highlighted include Clarion’s £500,000 Emergency Support fund, which was set up to help residents cope with the cost-of-living crisis. Funding was provided to more than 50 partners to deliver a range of projects. These included setting up warm spaces in community centres, running food projects and ‘cooking on a budget’ classes. Warm packs consisting of heated blankets, draught excluders and duvets were also provided for residents at risk of fuel poverty.
On Thursday 14 December, G15 colleagues and residents celebrated the launch of the report at one of L&Q’s flagship community hubs, the Lewington centre.
The event shone a light on the close connections housing associations have with residents and communities, which have allowed providers to tailor support where it is needed most. For example, Network Homes’ Miyawaki project was born out of a suggestion from a resident, Nichola Rogers, to plant an urban forest in Brent.
Nichola Rogers said: “As we invest in our community, we sow the seeds for our future and illuminate the path for a greener tomorrow. No project is an island, and through the dedicated support of Network Homes, we were able to bring this initiative to life.”
During a discussion chaired by G15 Chair and L&Q CEO, Fiona Fletcher-Smith, panel members spoke about the need to work in partnership to deliver services, and the importance of community assets for local people to use.
Throughout the report there are examples of the difference these projects have made. This includes testimonies from G15 members and residents about the importance of initiatives which have helped people boost their income, develop skills and improve their mental and physical health.
Commenting on the support received through A2 Dominion’s Winter Wellbeing campaign, a resident’s family member said “Thank you so much A2 Dominion! You sent a parcel with a hot water bottle, slippers and blankets to my 94-year-old grandmother. We left her tonight tucked up using everything you sent. What a kind and thoughtful thing to do. We are all very grateful to you.”
The social value was calculated by the HACT tool as direct savings to the public, for example, the savings to welfare through someone moving into employment.
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Chief Executive of L&Q said: “This year has been another difficult one – the cost of meeting life’s essentials has increased, and its affecting everyone.
We’ve seen a diverse menu of support options made available from G15 members over the last 12 months, all of which respond to resident and community need. From Catalyst’s wellbeing hubs creating over £400,000 of social value, to A2 Dominion’s Winter Wellbeing campaign which has supported more than 2,000 residents from priority groups –members are stepping up to support those at the sharp end of the cost-of-living crisis.
The innovation, passion and devotion to creating new opportunities and improving existing services shines through in each page and each programme. Together, they make me feel hopeful about the future of the G15 – and our continued ability to be significant levers of change in the communities we serve.