A Stafford-based community group has been celebrating acts of kindness from family, friends and strangers with the help of the area’s leading provider of affordable homes.

In the run up to World Kindness Day (Wednesday, November 13), members of WhYCH met at the Round House community venue to talk about what it means to be kind and to share their experiences.

The group provides activities and events for young adults with social and learning difficulties and additional needs and meets regularly at The Round House in Stafford, a community facility owned and managed by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH), a member of Housing Plus Group.

The housing association provides a wide-ranging support for the group, including use of the recently refurbished venue and a nearby allotment plot, as part of its commitment to the communities it serves.

WhYCH Co-ordinator, Tracy, explained: “Without this help, the group would not be able to continue.

“We’re very grateful for the use of the Round House and the allotment enables members of the group to grow their own fresh vegetables and get out in the fresh air.”

As part of the World Kindness Day celebrations, which took place as the group prepared to embark on an outdoor pursuits weekend, members shared examples of kindness they have benefitted from.

WhYCH member, Aaron, commented: “The club is amazing, I love it and it gives me the chance to meet up with friends. The help we get from Housing Plus Group shows that organisations can show kindness, as well as people.”

Volunteer and former club member Katie added: “There’s so much going on here and I help to run a drama group which would not be possible without the SARH facilities and the kindness shown by Tracy in giving up so much of her time to run the group!”

Now a proud member of Housing Plus Group, SARH has developed close links with WhYCH over a number of years and recently made a £500 donation to the group.

Gavin, SARH Community Engagement Adviser commented: "We are committed to building stronger, more caring communities and WhYCH offers a great example of this spirit.”