GET IN TOUCH
CALL
Barbara Richardson, Managing Director and Board Member at Square Roots, has been named a campaign Ambassador for 165,000 Reasons, the national coalition working to ensure no child’s home is temporary.
More than 165,000 children in England are living in temporary accommodation. Many are in cramped, unsuitable rooms, moving away from their schools and friends, and waiting months or even years for the certainty and security every child deserves. 165,000 Reasons is calling for practical action: better standards now, faster routes into stable homes and long-term reform.
As an Ambassador, Barbara will help raise awareness of the impact of temporary accommodation on children and families, contribute her expertise to the campaign’s work and encourage more organisations across the affordable housing and development sectors to get involved. The role builds on Square Roots’ existing support for the campaign as a sponsor.
Barbara brings more than 30 years’ experience in regeneration and affordable housing. A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, she has worked across the public and private sectors to bring forward land and deliver homes through acquisitions, partnerships and joint ventures.
The announcement comes as Square Roots continues to grow. Since becoming a registered provider in 2022, we have delivered more than 600 affordable homes and committed to over 1,500 more across London, supported by £150 million+ of grant funding. Our ambition is to deliver 10,000 affordable homes for London over the next decade.
Barbara Richardson, Managing Director of Square Roots, said:
“I am proud to become an ambassador for the 165,000 Reasons campaign because I know personally just how important a secure home can be. I grew up in a council house in Tower Hamlets, and that experience has stayed with me throughout my life and career.
“Our goal is to build 10,000 affordable homes for London over the next decade. We have the capability and capacity to deliver, but the challenge these families and children face is already here today. A home is so much more than bricks and mortar. It is the foundation from which people build their lives.”
Nick Kilby, Founder of Cratus Group and 165,000 Reasons said:
“Barbara has dedicated her career to increasing the supply of affordable housing and understands the stability that a safe and secure home can provide. Her extensive experience across the public and private sectors, together with her practical knowledge of land, regeneration and housing delivery, will be invaluable to the campaign.”
There are 165,000 reasons to act. Every one of them is a child. Find out more at 165000reasons.co.uk.
