Parity Trust believes in the importance of investment in communities: its people, its buildings, our homes and the broader environment.

That's why, when the Portsmouth Area Regeneration Trust decided on a new brand in July 2011, we decided to place community development at the heart of our activity as a community development finance institution.

As well as working with the Council for Social Responsibilty on the Joint Venture Social Enterprise Limited we will also be looking at other development projects to get involved in. Our commitment is to assist in improving the economic and social wellbeing of local people.

We are in the process of exploring innovative ways of generating resources for investing in community and social initiatives through mechanisms such as community bonds, community land trusts and asset release. Further details including how investors can get involved in improving local areas through asset development projects will follow soon.

Through our experiences and as part of our commitment to those living in our local communities, we have been able to put together some simple steps towards 'smarter money'. For information on ideas such as creating a budget or carrying out your own financial review, please view our smart money page

Supporting businesses in the community:

Parity Trust recently became involved in supporting local social enterprise Southsea Greenhouse, the project was established as a community co-operative from a very big idea, a small starting budget, a small grant and some real commitment to see the process through from an idea to reality.

Southsea Greenhouse aim to encourage people to shop local, volunteer and get involved and eat healthy, fresh and organic food that has not travelled a long way. Delivering by bike where possible, the organisation is also planning a workplace veg-box scheme to try and cut 'food miles' and also make the enterprise cost effective.

Start-up funds enabled them to purchase a small tent which can be seen on Southsea seafront (by South Parade Pier) - although due to the cold weather Southsea Greenhouse can be found at The Pyramids, a little further along the seafront - and buy a van. A delivery service is being launched - and anyone interested in local produce and supporting a local social enterprise can not only order stock, but can also become a member. Further information about the co-operative can be found on the Southsea Greenhouse website - along with some images from the greenhouse and recent events. We wish those involved every success!

As well as our work with Southsea Greenhouse, Parity Trust is also a long time supporter of local radio station Express FM. The radio station is local to Portsmouth and celebrates life in South Hampshire. Express FM offers a fresh, upbeat musical mix and real life voices - part a constant mission to search out the opportunities in our city for getting the most out of life, music, heritage, sports and much more besides! Every penny the station receives is invested in helping people to communicate with their catchment area of Portsmouth and South East Hampshire. You can find out more about their presenters here....