Estate agency and property group Andrews has met its target of raising £70,000 to kick-start an ambitious, innovative and enduring social housing project.
The Keynsham-headquartered group launched the scheme last year to mark its 70th anniversary. It has now bought and refurbished the first home as part of the initiative, which is aimed at giving young care-leavers a roof over their heads and support in finding work or training. 
The house in the Lawrence Hill has been leased to Bristol charity 1625 Independent People, which specialises in providing 16-25 year olds with housing advice as well as life skills, confidence building, education, training and jobs. The official launch takes place this month when the first three tenants move in.
A second property will be acquired in the coming months with the overall aim of buying 50 homes over 50 years, or sooner if funding allows.
Project70 (P70) builds on the philanthropic origins of Andrews and its continued ownership by two charitable trusts. Andrews and its principal shareholder Andrews Charitable Trust (ACT) are working in collaboration to buy and refurbish the properties to support young people leaving the care system in the West and South of England – the areas in which Andrews operates.
Chief executive David Westgate, pictured, said: “We wanted to mark the notable milestone of our 70th anniversary in a meaningful way that reminded both our own team and the communities in which we operate of the unique foundations and ownership structure of Andrews.
“Project70 allowed us to engage Andrews’ staff with the history and ownership of the business, whilst ensuring that our values and commitment to charitable work remained relevant in the modern age.”
More than 700 staff from across the Andrews’ network took part in the fundraising efforts with a wide range of events contributing to the overall total. Cake sales proved to be the favourite way to raise funds with more than 20 in the year. Bike rides, quiz nights and sporting sweepstakes were also popular and one female staff member raised more than £700 by having her head shaved.
David added: “This has truly been a team effort and it is important for us that staff are given the opportunity to get involved in something like this. However, our involvement in these homes for young care leavers doesn’t end here.
“Whilst the Project70 challenge was in part a nod to Project60, which raised over £60,000 in Andrews’ 60th year [2006], this has been about so much more than simply raising funds. It was aimed at bringing ACT and the Andrews businesses closer together to start a longer-term legacy that lasted beyond the fundraising itself.
“As each house is set up, local staff committees will be established to support the residents as they move in. For example, at our first house which will launch later this month, two staff have been trained to become volunteer mentors, whilst over the longer term we are keen for the young people who have benefitted from these homes to have the opportunity to join Andrews through work placements, apprenticeships and hopefully, employment.”
Andrews, which has branches stretching from Kent, Sussex and Surrey to Bristol and Gloucestershire, was founded by philanthropist and humanitarian Cecil Jackson Cole, who is best known for his role in establishing charities such as Oxfam, Action Aid and Help the Aged.
