..marking a milestone for community empowerment
Nottingham Building Society has today announced the lease of its former branch premises in Stapleford to the Chayah Development Project, a local charity dedicated to making a lasting impact on communities through tackling social issues to break down barriers. The Nottingham and Chayah Development Project celebrated this milestone during a special event held on June 13th, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership.
The Nottingham's decision to offer the Stapleford branch to the Chayah Development Project, on a peppercorn rent, highlights their shared commitment to empowering the local community for this year and beyond. Through this generous contribution, Chayah Development Project now have for the first time a permanent physical hub, enabling the charity to expand its community support services and cater to a wider range of community needs.
The Nottingham has contributed over 70 hours to the Chayah Development Project branch donation. More widely the team has volunteered 710 hours so far this year to support wider causes, including supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Chief Executive Officer, Sue Hayes, commented: "The leasing of our former Stapleford branch to the Chayah Development Project rings true to our mutual ethos. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to making a positive and lasting difference in the local area. The event on June 13th was a true celebration of community empowerment and marked the beginning of an exciting journey for Chayah in their new physical hub."
Hyacinth Francis-Watson, Founder of the Chayah Development Project, said: "The new Stapleford hub will serve as a vibrant centre for community good, allowing us to expand our services and address the diverse needs of the local area. We look forward to building upon this partnership and creating a meaningful impact in the community."
Darren Henry, MP for Broxtowe, added: "Chayah Development Project provide essential support to many in their local community, so I am delighted that the Nottingham Building Society have kindly donated this space. I look forward to seeing how this new space allows Chayah to further help the people of Broxtowe and offer support to all those who need it."
Founded in 2012, The Chayah Project has been dedicated to making a positive impact in the local area, changing the lives of local residents. Among them, Kimberley Stewart, and Lisa Whitchurch have experienced first-hand the transformative power of the charity. The Chayah Project will utilise the space for community services and projects tailored to meet the specific needs of the local area. Their previous work has centred around tackling the youth mental health crisis and providing valuable life coaching, among other initiatives.
Kimberly Stewart, comments: "The Chayah Project had a hugely positive impact on my life after the end of my marriage. I stayed in one of their hostels with my daughter whilst pregnant with my youngest, and they helped me get back on my feet. Since then, I have started my own business as a graphic designer, and Chayah Project has become one of my favourite clients. It has been a privilege to support those who supported me in one of the darkest times of my life."
Lisa Whitchurch, Founder of the Joe's World charity which works closely in partnership with Chayah, said: "We are honoured and excited to be working under the umbrella of Chayah Project in Stapleford. We set up Joe's World in memory of my son Joseph Whitchurch, a Stapleford boy who tragically lost his life to knife crime at the age of sixteen. Together with Chayah, we are passionate about making sure that every young person in Stapleford can grow up in safety, with opportunities to fulfil their potential. We thank the Nottingham Building Society for this amazing opportunity."