Build It Appoints Charity Partner

Build It, the longest-running and most practical magazine for UK self-builders and renovators, has selected the Community Self Build Agency (CSBA) as its official charity for 2016 and 2017.

Established in 1989, the CSBA is dedicated to helping those in housing need by facilitating group self-build schemes – and has delivered over 140 projects to date.

The CSBA works with individuals and groups from a range of disadvantaged backgrounds, including young people, homeless ex-services and local families struggling to find affordable housing. The organisation acts as a facilitator for collective self-build schemes, providing on-site support throughout the build and beyond.

The CSBA’s efforts not only help to give people a roof over their heads but also enable them to learn new, life-changing skills that will enhance their chances of gaining future employment. Each participant is encouraged to attain formal qualifications for recognised skills through their self-build scheme.

Build It has already donated £2,500 to this fantastic charity, mainly through ticket sales for an industry summer party held during Build It Live at Bicester in June, and will be working with the CSBA on a variety of initiatives in the coming year.

John Gillespie, national development director at the CSBA said:

“We want to help people become involved in being the solution to their own housing situation. Whilst on the self-build journey people learn that it’s about more than simply accommodation, but also about the sense of collaboration through community led development schemes and developing recognised skills which could lead to future employment. We’re very grateful to have the support of Build It to help us deliver these goals.”

Chris Bates, editor at Build It magazine said:

“We’re delighted to support a charity that’s close to our hearts, helping socially excluded people, often ex-servicemen, to learn new skills by building their own home. Working on a CSBA scheme is proven to help people get their lives back on track and to make a huge difference to their opportunities in life. At Build It we believe that self-building should be for the many and not just the lucky few who have the resources to build their dream home. Build It encourages other organisations in the industry who share our passion to identify ways that they can support the CSBA. Any companies raising money for the CSBA, please keep us posted.”

For more information about the Community Self Build Agency or to donate visit www.communityselfbuildagency.org.uk

Read about one of the CSBA’s projects:  Home for Heroes