Tom Murtha

Tory leader David Cameron has recently argued that social enterprises are the way to reverse the deep social deprivation experienced by a large number of the population. But rather than create new social enterprises we should make the most of existing ones – such as housing associations – that are already doing a great deal to address the issues Mr Cameron raises.
The best way to help those who are socially deprived – those who don’t have equal employment and training opportunities, who can’t easily access a decent home and who survive with low levels of financial support – is to ask them what they want.
The solution might be practical ideas such as creating access to ICT facilities – something we offer all our customers. It might be a mentoring service for teenagers or a residents’ drop-in centre on a housing estate. The key thing is that when services are relevant, people make the most of them and feel more in control of their lives.
We’ve drafted a neighbourhood charter with a group of residents at one of our sites and 100 people have voluntarily signed up to it. They believe in its aims and so do we – so right from the start, everyone is clear about what to expect – and they know we are open to their ideas.
Our joint initiative with Dreamschemes sees 160 young people in Staffordshire actively contribute to their community. Their hands-on work boosts confidence but also bridges the generation gap that is blamed for dividing communities.
At Midland Heart our vision is to provide housing ‘and more’. So what is the ‘more’? I firmly believe the ‘more’ is all the other work housing associations provide, based firmly on identifying the needs of the community. And that is our way of creating stronger neighbourhoods.

Tom Murtha, chief operating officer, Midland Heart