Sapphire

SAPPHIRE OPENS NEW HOMES IN HOUNSLOW Sapphire Independent Housing is opening 10 new homes for rent at Ashford Road in Hounslow at London Affordable Rent on 20 March. These are the first part of a partnership between Sapphire, the GLA and the Borough and a further 55 homes are on site with more to come in the second phase of development. The homes at Ashford Road were built by Helix Construct. Sir Steve Bullock, Chair of Sapphire’s Board, said “This is an important day for the new residents of these homes and for Sapphire. We are a small housing association and this partnership with Hounslow and the GLA is enabling us to grow in a way which enables us to provide much needed good quality rented homes in Hounslow and also enables us to sustain the supported housing which has been our core business for many years.” The launch begins today at 11.00am and runs to 2.00pm on Thursday 20th March 2025 at 17 Ashford Road, Feltham, TW13 4QR About Sapphire Independent Housing - Sapphire is a smaller housing association that has been operating for over 50 years providing support and accommodation to single people in housing need, sheltered housing, general needs homes. We became a preferred partner of the Borough in 2018 and our bid to develop homes on 19 ex-council garage sites was accepted. For further information contact Aaron.bush@sih.org

Heather Thomas, the Chief Executive of Sapphire Independent Housing, recently celebrated the organisation's remarkable achievements in its commitment to reinvesting in new homes. This proactive strategy has proven vital in addressing the urgent housing needs of the local community and rebalancing the organisation’s property portfolio. Under her visionary leadership, Sapphire Independent Housing has successfully developed over 100 new homes, providing much-needed housing solutions that directly respond to residents' pressing needs. This initiative enhances the variety of housing options available to the community and significantly bolsters the organisation's long-term sustainability. According to the National Housing Federation, this focus on reinvesting in new homes has played a crucial role in meeting local housing requirements and achieving a more balanced portfolio, ultimately creating a healthier housing landscape in the area. The full article can be found here housing.org.uk/resources/sapp…

We're excited to announce an opportunity for a Compliance, Repairs, and Maintenance Manager at SIH! This role is essential in ensuring we meet all regulations while managing our vital repair and maintenance efforts. You'll lead a dedicated team to enhance our facilities' upkeep. If you have a solid background in compliance and exceptional organisational skills, we’d love to hear from you to help elevate our maintenance strategies! Take a look at this website: sih.org/work-with-us/c…

Exciting things are on the horizon! Stay tuned for the launch of our new website soon!

On World Mental Health Day, let’s talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. Talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and downs. So, on World Mental Health Day and beyond, why not check in with your friends, family, peers, or colleagues? World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year, including in 2024. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health. It allows stakeholders working on mental health issues to discuss their work and what more must be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. The theme for World Mental Health Day varies from year to year, focusing on various aspects of mental health, from suicide prevention to the impact of trauma and conflict on mental health. To commemorate World Mental Health Day 2024, you can participate in various activities such as attending or organizing workshops, seminars, or awareness campaigns. Engaging in discussions on social media to spread the word, sharing personal stories to inspire others, and advocating for better mental health policies and practices are also great ways to contribute. Remembering and acknowledging World Mental Health Day is an essential step towards removing the stigma associated with mental health issues and encouraging a more open and supportive dialogue within communities. For more information, and for ways to get involved, please visit the World Mental Health Day 2024 | Mental Health Foundation

Show your support! Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked worldwide each October, represents an essential movement led by prominent breast cancer foundations. This campaign is dedicated to enhancing public understanding of breast cancer and rallying support for investigations into its causes, prevention tactics, early diagnosis methods, effective treatment options, and ultimately finding a cure. For information on how you can contribute to this vital cause, please visit Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Macmillan Cancer Support or Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Breast Cancer UK #CancerResearch #BreastCancerAwareness

Sapphire Independent Housing. | Team Leader, Bethany House WC1X sih.org/opportunities/… via @sih_uk

Heather Thomas, the CEO of Sapphire Independent Housing, delivered a speech at the Housing Quality Network (HQN) Conference, emphasizing the importance of addressing housing inequalities and the needs of the marginalised and vulnerable in society. Her participation comes at a critical time, just after a general election, highlighting the housing sector's priorities under the new government. Thomas, who also serves as the Vice Chair of the g320 group of small housing associations, brings over 20 years of experience to the table, advocating for a long-overdue focus on these pressing issues. More information can be found at hqnetwork.co.uk or x.com/HQNMedia/statu… #HQNAC24 #Housing

New #NHF research - supported housing services under threat with 1 in 3 #SupportedHousing providers forced to close services in the past year as reported by x.com/BBCMBuchanan and NHF directly. The next government must urgently provide dedicated funding for #SupportedHousing, as part of a long-term #PlanForHousing to end the housing crisis!

The personal stories of Charlie Gibbs and Hannah Debellotte, as reported by the BBC, highlight the critical role of supported housing in providing a safety net for young individuals facing the loss of family support. Charlie, who lost her mother to cancer at 18, credits the supported housing for helping her navigate the complexities of independent living, from grief counselling to establishing daily routines. Similarly, Hannah, who had to leave home as a teenager, acknowledges the importance of the support she received in managing finances and learning essential life skills. Their experiences underscore the challenges faced by young adults who, in the absence of such services, risk homelessness and the loss of direction at a crucial stage in their lives. The closure of similar services due to funding pressures raises concerns about the future of vulnerable youth seeking a stable foundation for their transition to independence. For more information, please visit - Housing: 'I could have ended up homeless after my parents died' - BBC News

Sapphire Independent Housing. | Supported Housing Officer, London WC1X sih.org/opportunities/… via @sih_uk We are recruiting for a Supported Housing Officer in London, WC1X. See our website for more details.

Sapphire extends heartfelt gratitude to the @UCKG Finsbury Park Church for their invaluable contribution during the recent BBQ event. The church's dedication to community service shone brightly as they provided volunteers who performed blood sugar level tests and blood pressure checks, ensuring the well-being of all attendees. This act of kindness and care undoubtedly enhanced the experience for everyone at the BBQ, reflecting the church's commitment to fostering health and harmony within the community. Sapphire's acknowledgment of this generous support is a testament to the positive impact that collaborative community efforts can have. #community #homeless #charity #support #volunteer #universalchurchuk #kindness #care #shelters #bbq #church #health #awareness

This Mental Health Awareness Week, let's unite in the movement for mental well-being. 🌿 Wearing green is more than a fashion statement; it's a powerful message of hope, renewal, and support for mental health. By participating in Wear it Green Day, we're not just raising awareness; we're fostering a community that prioritises mental health and is unafraid to talk about it. Tomorrow, let's unite in a wave of green to show our support for a cause that touches many lives. Whether it's a ribbon, a shirt, or a pin, each piece contributes to a larger story of hope and support. So, let's wear green with pride and show our commitment to creating a world where mental health is a priority for all. Together, we can make a difference💚 #MentalHealthAwareness #mentalhealthfoundation #WearItGreen #Support #GoGreen #Awareness #Unity #green #awareness #support #community #exercise #wellbeing #HealthAwareness

The intersection of financial well-being and mental health is a significant concern, as highlighted by #martinlewis. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges posed by money issues on mental health and outlines the efforts of the Money & Mental Health Policy Institute to combat this. The institute, which Lewis founded, has made strides in influencing government policy and providing support for those in financial and mental health crises. Similarly, #joewicks advocates for the benefits of exercise on mental health, suggesting that physical activity can lead to improved mental well-being, which in turn can positively affect physical health. His approach encourages incorporating exercise into daily routines as a way to enhance mental health, with the belief that the physical benefits will naturally follow. Both Lewis and Wicks contribute to the broader conversation about Mental Health Foundation health, each from their unique perspectives on finance and fitness, respectively. Their work underscores the complex interplay between various aspects of our lives and mental health, and the importance of holistic approaches to well-being. Both articles are available here: - theguardian.com/.../joe-wicks-…... - blog.moneysavingexpert.com/.../martin-lew… #homeless #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #Physicalhealth #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #charity #support #growth #exercise

Joe Wicks, a renowned fitness coach, emphasises the deep connection between mental and physical health, especially during Mental Health Awareness Week. He advocates that engaging in regular physical activity is not only beneficial for the body but also for the mind, helping to elevate mood and improve overall well-being. Wicks suggests incorporating exercise into daily routines as a strategy to combat stress and anxiety. His approach aligns with the growing body of research that supports the idea that physical exercise can act as a powerful tool in maintaining and enhancing mental health. By following simple, yet effective tips such as staying active, practicing mindfulness, and nurturing social connections, individuals can make significant strides in boosting their mental health alongside their physical fitness Take time out of your day to view his videos: bbc.co.uk/ideas/videos/y… @mentalhealth @NHSuk

Sapphire Independent Housing are seeking to #recruit a Housing Officer (6 months fixed term). The role will ensure the effective delivery of Sapphire’s tenancy service in the London Borough of Hounslow, providing a modern, responsive and holistic service to support tenants. The postholder will ensure residents remain at the heart of the service and that they are engaged in a positive and proactive way. The Housing Officer will report directly to the Operation's Director and the application below or via our website: sih.org/opportunities/… via @sih_uk Deadline: 27th May 2024

The #PlanForHousing campaign has issued an open letter to the next Prime Minister, urging for decisive action to address the housing crisis in the UK. The letter highlights the dire situation of millions of children living in inadequate housing conditions, with a significant impact on their health, education, and future potential. It calls for a bold, long-term strategy to build more social homes and improve living conditions, drawing on successful approaches from other countries. The campaign emphasises that solving the housing crisis is not only a moral imperative but also economically sensible, with potential benefits to the national economy and savings for taxpayers. The National Housing Federation, along with other organisations, is advocating for this issue to be a top priority for the next government, reflecting the concerns of a significant portion of the electorate. If you have the chance, please take the opportunity to report the report at housing.org.uk/resources/plan…