We are now very pleased to introduce to you our two new Rural Housing Enablers – Maria Kelly and Barry Malki

Maria joined our charity over a year ago as our Project Development Officer on our 21st Century Halls programme (https://ccberks.org.uk/our-projects/rural-hubs-village-halls-fit-for-the-21st-century/). Maria has worked in the community sector for 20 years and has extensive experience in community-led partnerships.

Maria says “I’m thrilled to take on a new role at CCB working with communities to help tackle rural housing need. Lack of affordable housing is a huge problem across the country and can make it impossible for people in rural areas to stay living in their communities if their housing needs and circumstances change. It’s exciting to be part of this nationwide initiative which could make a real positive impact on rural housing.”

Until the end of March 2024, Maria will be splitting her time over both roles and we soon will be recruiting another member of the team to support our Community Buildings Advisor, Kate Meads to deliver this important key project and further develop new opportunities for CCB to support Berkshire’s rural communities.

We also offer a warm welcome to a new face in the CCB family in the form of Barry Malki. Barry has spent many years working in the Housing Sector, primarily focused on social impact and communities. During this period, Barry has worked with different organisations and agencies across the country and is a passionate advocate of shared learning and supporting networks.

Barry says “I am keen over the next six months to engage with many different organisations and stakeholders across the county, to help them to understand their role in the development of new Housing supply in areas that may otherwise be overlooked by developers.“

Before working in Housing, Barry toured as a full-time musician, and since 2020 has come out of retirement to play in several touring theatre shows (so you may catch him somewhere in a sparkly blazer with epaulettes!).

There are increasing problems with affordability in our villages which makes our rural communities increasingly unsustainable. Building the homes people need brings vitality to rural communities and helps boost the rural economy at this difficult time. This project will help rural communities in Berkshire carry out a housing needs survey and identify potential sites.

TONIGHT (27/02/24) at 7pm they kick off the project with an online Rural Housing Event. This launch event will give more information about the support available for your community to carry out a housing needs survey and identify potential sites. If you’d like to book click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rural-housing-event-tickets-844734352187?aff=oddtdtcreator