Key Communities is about more than just housing – it is about creating thriving communities where people want to live. The partners are therefore undertaking a range of initiatives to achieve this goal.

These include two appointments by bpha to provide a resource for residents moving onto new homes sites. Julia Holmes has been appointed to the newly created post of New Communities Manager while Abbie Mason has become Community Development Officer at Arbury Park, a major development underway to the north of Cambridge.

Julia’s team’s work includes helping residents across bpha’s area of operation to start up groups and activities and make the best use of new halls and other facilities. The overall aim is to ensure the timely provision of community facilities, make people feel welcome and help them access information about local services.

bpha‘s innovative approach to turning houses into homes was recognised in 2007 with an award from the National Black and New Communities Network. This was made for its work at Arbury Park and Mawsley Village near Kettering on encouraging community cohesion and strengthening resident involvement.