Leaping off a building is certainly a dramatic way to raise funds and awareness for a worthy cause; the traditionally ominous date – Friday 13 – clearly left this group of housing leaders undeterred.
Elly Hoult, president of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), was joined by a 25-strong team of fellow housing leaders for a charity challenge – abseiling down a nine-storey building in South West London.
The purpose was two-fold: to raise funds for Bernardo’s – Hoult’s chosen charity for her presidential year – and raise awareness of her Choose Housing campaign.
An exclusion zone was put in place at Burridge Gardens (formerly St John’s Hill) in Wandsworth to allow the unveiling of a Choose Housing wrapped black cab, before the 25 brave housing professionals began their decent down Peabody’s nine-storey building.
Speaking at the event last Friday, Hoult said: “To the sponsors, abseilers and everyone who has donated to Barnardo’s I want to say a heartfelt thank you. Barnardo’s do incredible work in supporting children and young people build confidence, and providing career guidance, and I know these funds will make a real difference.
“In social housing we don’t just build homes – we build communities, create careers and impact lives every day. To complete this fundraising activity, with so much support, in the heart of one of Peabody’s communities highlights what an incredible sector housing is.
“I’m so proud to work in housing, and delighted to continually have such a positive response to the Choose Housing campaign, which encourages the next generation to do the same.”
The event included a breakfast before the abseil and lunch after, sponsored by Wates, Mount-Anvil, and Cab-E Media, to celebrate the accomplishments of the abseilers, and their collective fundraising efforts to support Elly’s chosen presidential charity.
Barnardo’s support young people in getting their foot on the career ladder, a charity closely linked to Hoult’s Choose Housing presidential campaign, focused on raising awareness of the career opportunities the housing sector provides.
Since beginning her presidency in October 2024, Hoult has raised over £25,000 for the charity.
Rachael Williamson, director of policy, communication and public affairs at the CIH, and a fellow abseiler, added: “You don’t have to jump off a building to encourage people to Choose Housing.
“As part of Elly’s campaign CIH have created a toolkit of resources you can access to promote housing as a career of choice and provide guidance to those considering what route to take in housing. I encourage everyone to check out Elly’s fantastic campaign and show their support.”
Gary Wilkinson, regional managing director at Wates, one of the event sponsors, added: “We’re delighted to be part of this event and support this important cause. It’s a great example of how the housing industry can come together and create positive change for not just residents and communities but wider society – a big thank you to all involved.”
Main image: Abseilers for a cause. The housing professionals who joined CIH president, Elly Hoult on her leap in support of charity
Read next: Vivid’s Brickworks scheme does its bit for local heritage
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
