Dot Dot Dot and Keniston Housing Association partnership in Bromley
Former sheltered housing in Bromley is to become the base for a group of property guardians who volunteer in the local community, thanks to a partnership between Dot Dot Dot and Keniston Housing Association.
The first guardians moved into Robert Whyte House at the end of last week. They will aim to keep the building secure and well-maintained for Keniston, and the area safe for the housing association’s other residents in nearby properties.
In the coming weeks, they will be joined by up to 20 fellow guardians, all of whom have committed to volunteering for at least 16 hours a month for good causes. Dot Dot Dot is unique in the sector for prioritising the creation of positive social impact through property guardianship. In 2020 alone, Dot Dot Dot’s guardians volunteered nearly 63,000 hours to more than 1,000 causes – a contribution of £638,000 to the voluntary sector.
The first wave of guardians have previously lived in other Dot Dot Dot properties, and their volunteering has included undertaking market research for Age UK in Croydon and running online community chair yoga sessions.
Dot Dot Dot, said “We’re delighted to be working with Keniston in Bromley. We do some of our best work in places where our guardians are living alongside existing residents, because the people we house give so much back to the communities in which they live and are a visible, friendly and reassuring presence.
“By working with Keniston, we can be a force for good in the local area; we’re excited to be up and running and housing great guardians.”
Jonathan Card, Chief Executive of Keniston, said: “Keniston chooses our partners carefully, and we’re very happy to be working with Dot Dot Dot on this project. We needed to be sure that the building will be kept safe and secure, and that the guardians will be able to live harmoniously alongside our residents in nearby blocks. We are excited to be working with Dot Dot Dot, and we look forward to a partnership that works in the interest of both organisations, but also – most importantly – works for Keniston’s existing residents, as well as the guardians themselves.”
Jonathan Card
Chief Executive, Keniston Housing Association