Karbon unveils charitable arm to tackle inequality

A new charitable foundation has been launched to expand community support across the North East and Yorkshire.

Newcastle-headquartered housing association Karbon Group has unveiled Karbon Foundation, a new charitable arm that will focus on improving social and financial wellbeing while increasing investment in local communities.

The launch was marked by an event in central Newcastle, where representatives from businesses, charities, funders and the public sector discussed how partnership working can deliver greater benefits for communities.

Chaired by Phil Pollard, group director of Karbon Foundation, the panel brought together Justine Massingham, from The Greggs Foundation; Sara Britcliffe, from The Bread and Butter Thing; Lisa Reay, from Muckle LLP; and Michelle Cooper, from Point North, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of collaborative working.

Building on Karbon Group’s existing community initiatives, the foundation will provide support across areas including financial wellbeing, employment, skills and training, community grants, social value, place-making and tackling social isolation.

It will work alongside organisations across the Karbon Group to deliver a consistent approach to charitable activity throughout the North East and Yorkshire.

Paul Fiddaman, chief executive of the Karbon Group, who opened the event, said: “We see first-hand the challenges that face communities across the North East, challenges that are getting more acute as the cost of living bites and other changes mean lots more people require the support of the third sector to help them live independent and successful lives. 

“As a responsible social landlord and an anchor institution within the communities where we operate, this prompted Karbon to think about how we can strength our commitment to supporting communities in the region. 

“There’s never been a more important time for organisations to come together and deliver that community impact.” 

The foundation aims to bring together partners from across the public, private and voluntary sectors to strengthen local communities and create lasting social impact through practical, locally led support programmes.

Paul added: “Karbon Foundation helps people in our homes and wider communities to have more secure, connected and empowered futures.

“It enables us to widen our existing support services and access different funding streams and is also a vehicle through which partner organisations can invest, with confidence that their resources are being used well in building strong communities. 

“Its development has been quite a journey and its launch is an exciting time for us.” 

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