Spring is finally upon us and it is bringing with it lots of exciting progress on new homes across the region.  Frist though, I'd like your help. We’d like to grow the amount of people who are hearing about the work we do. That’s why we are running a competition. Pass this bulletin to a colleague and if they sign up and let us know you referred them, you’ll each be entered int a charity prize draw to win £50 for a charity of your choice. You can sign up and find terms and conditions here.

At our flagship Seaham Garden Village scheme, our multi-million pound Extra Care scheme has been given the go-ahead, as have new homes at Shildon in County Durham.

As always, I am inspired by our staff and the work they are doing to support our communities. Recently, we have seen our fantastic Silver Friends befriending service expand into West Northumberland. It was particularly inspiring to many of our female Karbon colleagues joining forces with The Girls Network to mentor teenage girls in the region.

With the end of the financial year, April gives us a chance to review our last 12 months.

In this issue of Karbon Life, you can read about new homes moving forward in Sunderland, how we support customers to break down barriers to work and how hobby rooms in Byker are being given a new lease of life.