Mosaic 1898 is using its Charity Bank loan to turn an old chapel, community centre and house into The Whetstone Hub. Doing so will enable the charity to enrich even more disabled lives and launch new services.
Social Problem
Disabled people face many barriers, including a lack of opportunities to socialise, upskill and take part in meaningful activities.
Organisation
Mosaic 1898 has been offering life-enhancing opportunities to disabled people in Leicestershire and Rutland for 125 years. The charity runs a wide range of services, including children’s holiday clubs, advocacy groups, adult day services, trips out, and disability-friendly holidays.
Loan
Mosaic 1898 recently borrowed £455,000 from Charity Bank towards the cost of buying and renovating a chapel, community centre and three-bed house, all on the same site. Zoheb Shariff, CEO of Mosaic 1898, explains, “Together, they’ll give us a foothold in the local community and allow us to bring together existing support services for disabled people and to launch new services that the community need and want. It’s our ambition to create an all-encompassing hub which empowers people and communities to thrive.”
Impact
Renovation work is now underway and due to complete in spring 2024. One of the most exciting parts of the project is the house. It’s being transformed from a three-bed home to a four-bed respite facility. Zoheb shares, “We exist to deliver the support and care that disabled people want and need. Respite Care, also referred to as Short Breaks is an unmet need in Leicestershire. We know by talking to the families we support this is so needed, and it was only right for us to bring this into the plans for Whetstone Project.”
“Charity Bank created a calm in all the chaos. They set out the process clearly at the outset, kept us in the know at all times, and were on-hand when we needed their support. Without them this would have been a much steeper hill to climb.”
Zoheb Shariff, CEO of Mosaic 1898
About Charity Bank
Charity Bank is the loans and savings bank owned by and committed to supporting the social sector. Since 2002, we have used our savers’ money to make more than 1,200 loans totalling over £450m to housing, education, social care, community and other social purpose organisations.
Nothing in this article constitutes an invitation to engage in investment activity nor is it advice or a recommendation and professional advice should be taken before any course of action is pursued.