My organisation encourages charitable activities
It has been Trident's belief for some time that Housing Associations have a wider responsibility to support and shape the communities which it serves. Trident's stock is predominantly in an area that is geographically isolated, has a high rate of benefit dependency, a high level of financial exclusion, unemployment, social isolation and lack of community engagement. They house some of the most disadvantaged, excluded and underrepresented communities in the region with issues such as mental health, drug and alcohol dependency, cultural diversity, refugees and those that have experienced homelessness. Trident has initiated a number of initiatives that have seen an increase in community cohesion, life skills, personal confidence and social interaction empowering the community to work together to address issues that matter to local people through initiatives such as coffee mornings, breakfast clubs, training sessions, martial arts classes, money advice surgeries, an Iranian Support Group and more recently a number of Trident Torch Events (to build on this Summer's Olympic theme). The money advice surgeries worked with over 360 customers last year maximising £87,369 worth of income and advising on £331,075 of debt. They engaged a local loan shark agency to deliver training and advice sessions to over 120 customers and staff raising awareness on a key issue in the area, signposting affected customers. The breakfast club and Iranian support group provides social interaction, personal confidence and a free breakfast for many customers who struggle financially.