Social Value in Housing

 

Building diverse communities is at the heart of what we do.

We aspire to create spaces where our residents can thrive and will be proud to call home.

This means creating local economic opportunities that also support the wider community allowing all to live healthy, happy and sustainable lives.

What does being socially responsible mean at Countryside?

It simply means we go the extra mile to create, care for and support our communities. From talking to local businesses and residents to understand their issues and support change. We work to improve employment opportunities, create a positive impact on the health of our teams and residents, along with caring for the environment.

It’s a responsibility that we take seriously and one we’re continually working on to achieve the best outcomes for the communities in which we build and for our customers.

So, how are we doing this? We have 4 key areas of focus - Social Cohesion, Employment and Skills, Health and Wellbeing and Environmental Wellbeing.

 

Social cohesion

We want to leave a lasting legacy, so we invest in diverse and inclusive community networks. To achieve this, we use our skills and expertise to address local issues and encourage social innovation.

Just one example of our commitment to supporting local initiatives can be seen in our partnership with Box Up Crime, who provide an annual programme of boxing classes and mentoring support to young people in Brent. The programme helps vulnerable children and young people considered to be at risk of gang membership and crime, motivating them to stay on a positive path. Read more about our partnership here.

 

Economic inclusion - employment & skills

We go beyond just providing people’s dream homes. We contribute to the local economy by supporting businesses, investing in infrastructure (such as roads and transport links) and improving employment prospects for local people.

Together with Enfield Council, The Enfield Construction Skills Academy at our Meridian One development provides opportunities for local people to gain the skills and qualifications needed for a career in construction. You can read more about how the academy teaches sustainable construction methods here.

Across Vistry Group we also run Vistry Plus Skills Academies, which helps to support the growth of new talent coming into the housebuilding industry. The dedicated training offerings and employment opportunities at our academies also benefit local communities and strengthen the economy. Download our Vistry Plus Skills Academy brochure to find out more.

 

Health & wellbeing

We’re committed to positively impacting residents and our own teams' mental and physical health.

For example, we’ve trained more than 100 Mental Health First Aiders to provide support for colleagues, and alongside our teams, we continue to raise awareness and remove the stigma surrounding mental health.

Our commitment to health and wellbeing can also be seen in projects such as our partnership with Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing. Through this we are funding a 12-month community programme at Clapham Park which will bring people together over hot, healthy food, together with local charity Be Enriched. You can read more about this programme here.

 

Environmental wellbeing

The places we live and work have a big impact on our climate and biodiversity. It is important that we build homes and communities that are energy efficient and create greener environments for both nature and people to thrive.

We are proud to support the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and have pledged more than £30,000 in donations over the next three years to the Bat Conservation Trust.

But we don’t stop there. We’re active with Wild Flower Planting Days, Nature Treasure Hunts, Net Zero Carbon School Education, Hedgehog Highways, Bat Boxes and Bird Nesting Bricks.

At St James’ Park, we launched the Tiny Forests initiative, where 600 trees were planted as part of a new native woodland. The programme is run by Earthwatch Europe, an environmental charity, which works with local communities and partners to plant and maintain native woodlands, reconnecting people with nature and raising awareness of climate change. Read more about the Tiny Forest here.

Find out more about how we are supporting our communities here

 

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References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.

All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.