New research from Shelter shows at least 271,000 people are recorded as homeless in England.[1] To help support vulnerable members of the local community in Canterbury, housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes, who is building new homes at Saxon Fields in Thanington and The Woodlands in Broad Oak, is continuing to fulfil its long-term partnership with Canterbury-based homeless charity Catching Lives, where the team recently volunteered at its day centre kitchen.

Catching Lives works to support individuals affected by homelessness, rough sleeping, and insecure housing in and around Canterbury. Last winter, the charity successfully met its winter goals of providing a safe space for people to spend their evenings, arranging evening meals and hot drinks for those who with insecure housing, whilst ensuring those who are vulnerably housed or homeless stay safe and warm during colder months. Earlier this year, Barratt David Wilson Kent donated £15,000 to ensure the centre could remain open 365 days a year to provide constant support. Now, the housebuilder has supported the charity once again, with senior members of the team including Will Walsh, Natalie Perry, Luke Cooper, Karen Dunn, Oliver Chapman, Bruce Constantine and Alex Evans volunteering at the day centre kitchen in early November. Meals were provided to visitors, providing a safe space for them to enjoy lunch.

Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt David Wilson Kent, commented: “I have a very personal connection to homelessness, having found myself in this position over 20 years ago now. The work that organisations such as Catching Lives do to support the community is invaluable, it is only right that we give back and lend them a helping hand. The kitchen was a great success, providing meals and a safe space for vulnerable people in the Kent community. We hope our efforts will continue to aid Catching Lives and all its vital work.”

Tasmin Maitland, Chief Executive at Catching Lives, added: “Now more than ever, we are seeing more people attending our breakfast and lunch services, with rising costs impacting more and more each day. Support comes in all forms, all of which aids us in our efforts in providing for those in most need. Every donation, and every action helps, and we are thankful organisations like Barratt David Wilson Kent, whose continued involvement allows us to provide for those in the local community who are facing troubles. Their efforts in volunteering have made an immense difference in our service, and we urge anyone in the local community looking to get involved to do the same.”

Barratt David Wilson Kent is currently building new homes at its The Woodlands development in Broad Oak and Saxon Fields development in Thanington, with a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes now available. Prices start at £349,995 for a three-bedroom home at The Woodlands and £314,995 for a two-bedroom home at Saxon Fields.