South Wight Housing Association Board
In October 2010 a single charitable housing association, Southern Housing Group Ltd, was formed from the amalgamation of Southern Housing Group Ltd, James Butcher Housing Association Ltd and South Wight Housing Association Ltd.
The former South Wight Housing Association (SWHA) is now known as the Isle of Wight region of Southern Housing Group, which consists of around 3500 homes and provides over one-third of the Isle of Wight’s supported housing Established as a Large Scale Voluntary Association in 1990, properties include general housing for families, sheltered schemes, extra care schemes and residential care for the elderly, homeless accommodation, a women’s refuge, supported housing for people with mental health issues, vulnerable young people, teenage parents and people recovering from substance abuse and homes for people with learning difficulties and mobility needs. Outreach support and care services are also provided across the Island to vulnerable people living in their own home.
In July 2002 South Wight Housing Association (SWHA) became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Housing Group following the merger of the two organisations. The merger was hailed at the time by the then Housing Corporation as "a model for others, in terms of procedure, preparation, transparency and accountability".
In October 2005, SWHA became the largest housing association on the Island following its merger with the Isle of Wight Housing Association.
Further information about Southern Housing Group