Bristol’s property industry is being urged to come together to change the lives of young homeless people in the city.
More than 80 senior Bristol property professionals recently met to form the South West Fundraising Board for LandAid, the property industry charity.
LandAid chief executive Paul Morrish, Bristol City cabinet member for housing Cllr Paul Smith and Gavin Bridge, director of Bristol property developer Cubex, spoke at the gathering, hosted by international law firm Osborne Clarke’s Bristol office.
They rallied the property industry across the South West to back the regional fundraising board, which has joined similar LandAid groups in the North West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
The South West board has been formed due to the rising need for housing and support for young vulnerable people in the region, the event heard.
The LandAid South West Fundraising Board will be chaired by Gavin Bridge and will be made up of 12 leading figures from the property industry. It will be tasked with raising money to fund local charities working with young homeless people in the region.
LandAid has already funded a number of projects in the region and is working closely with Gavin Bridge and Cubex on the innovative East Street Mews project.
This project, in conjunction with Bath-based charity Developing Health & Independence and Bristol City Council, has brought property and construction companies together to create 11 bed spaces for young homeless people in central Bristol.
The scheme is also being backed by the Bristol office of international law firm Simmons & Simmons, which is providing it with ongoing pro-bono advice.
Paul Morrish said: “LandAid is proud to be setting up our fourth regional board here in the South West. By bringing together senior professionals from across the industry, to raise awareness and funds, we can make a real difference to the lives of young homeless people in the region.
“Gavin Bridge’s knowledge, networks and energy will be key to our success, and the success of the board, particularly as we make progress on the East Street Mews project in central Bristol.”
Gavin Bridge added: “As a Bristol property developer, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges that increase young people’s risk of homelessness in our great city.
“The East Street Mews project is a way we can tackle these disadvantages – using our skills and working together to make a tangible difference to young people’s lives and futures.
“The unwavering commitment of our existing partners and the offers of support received, demonstrate that the property industry locally can become a force for good, and, that by working collaboratively we can become actors for positive change.”
Find out more about LandAid here
Find out more about Developing Health and Independence here
Find out more about East Street Mews here
Pictured at the launch of LandAid’s South West Fundraising Board, from left: LandAid chief executive Paul Morrish, Charlotte Hopkinson from Grainger, Cllr Paul Smith, Ian Wilkinson from Osborne Clarke and Gavin Bridge of Cubex
