Josiah Mason was born in Kidderminster in 1795 and became a hugely successful entrepreneur and businessman. However he was also acutely aware of his civic responsibilities and amongst many things, he founded Mason College which was the forerunner of the University of Birmingham.
In 1858 he built the first Alsmshouses for Spinster and Widows and Orphan girls and 10 years later the Sir Josiah Mason Trust was formed to build on this legacy.
Consistent with these early activities, the Trust continues to provide accommodation to over 55 year olds and more recently the Trust has formed the Shine project which supports young people across a range of different activities. This includes a focus on those who have had experience of the Care system and one of the exciting new projects is the creation of purpose built homes for young people who are struggling to access safe and secure accommodation. I was delighted to be shown this accommodation by the Partnershipo CEO David Healey and the Young Peoples Service Manager Barnaby Norris and look forward to returning when the first occupants have arrived.