We directly invest around £1.5 million each year. We invest through a combination of charitable grants and community development advice and support via local community groups and charities. We aim for our investment to be led by our customers and communities. This helps us to contribute in a sustainable way, by helping people to realise their aspirations and by building local capacity for communities to drive change for themselves.
Within our communities are local teams who support people to grow relationships, increase their connections with others, know their community - and feel part of it. We welcome projects and partnerships that are community-led, sustainable and build on the passions and skills of local people.
Beyond our direct investment, we work with our construction partners, supply chain and external funders to secure additional investment for our communities.
You can find out more in our Community Investment Strategy or contact community@sanctuary.co.uk
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Our Community Investment Strategy
We know that building strong communities is as important as providing a home. We want to help build resilience and connection with our customers and their communities.
Our objective is to support the development of successful and sustainable communities in the areas where we operate.
Partnerships and projects in action
We support a range of local projects in our communities, working with trusted local partners and customers to drive sustainable, long-term change.
Year at a glance 2023/24
The Investment
Difference made
179
community groups supported
10,518
people supported to increase connection
17,811
lives positively impacted by wellbeing projects
9,765
people supported to improve mental wellbeing
312
projects
2,086
people engaged in shaping local investment
2,494
people supported through financial inclusion
1,093
people engaged in improving spaces or places
£774,900
personal debt reduced
Community Investment
We know that building strong communities is as important as providing a home, and we want to offer funding to charities and community groups to help build more sustainable places to live.
Our community projects
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Volunteers honoured at awards ceremony
The Cherwell ‘Love Where You Live’ Volunteer Awards asked local people to nominate individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond to help others during the last 12 months.
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Chester residents get ‘re-cycling’ in the garden
At Sanctuary, we’re committed to sustainability and doing our bit for the environment – and our residents share those same passions too.
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Phone chats helping beat loneliness
A project that sees volunteers provide friendship and a listening ear over the phone is proving a lifeline to people who have felt lonely.
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Creating a multi-sensory haven
Volunteers helped with painting and DIY at disability charity, which offers multi-sensory leisure therapy to people of all ages with learning disabilities and additional needs.
National recognition for Blacon sustainability project
Case study
We’re thrilled that our efforts to make Blacon Adventure Playground in Chester more environmentally-friendly have been recognised at the National Energy Efficiency Awards.
Hackney hero celebrated at Pride of Britain Awards
Case study
Local mum, Michelle Dornelly, saw a need amongst her neighbours in Hackney and was determined to do something about it. Last week she was recognised for her work at the Pride of Britain Awards.
We’re very proud of our Employee Volunteering Scheme
Case study
We’re very proud of our Employee Volunteering Scheme, which supports employees to volunteer for up to two working days each year, which in turn supports our communities.
Sanctuary Supported Living's Partnership with Dame Kelly Holmes Trust 2023-24
Case study
The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust has made an incredible impact on our young people over the past year. This video is packed with inspiring statistics that highlight how our collaboration has supported our young people to be more resilient and confident, and transformed lives and communities.
