Breaking down barriers for Inclusive Futures
Parity Trust and Guildhall Trust unite in ambition to break down barriers for marginalised communities
Joint event brings together leaders in housing and the creative arts to explore access, equity, and opportunity for excluded communities
PORTSMOUTH – 23 June 2025 – Last Thursday (19), to mark its 25th anniversary of providing ethical lending to individuals excluded from mainstream finance, Parity Trust collaborated with The Guildhall Trust to host a special event exploring how access and opportunity can be improved for marginalised groups. With a longstanding commitment to social impact, the two organisations unite around a shared mission – to challenge inequality and spark meaningful change through inclusive housing solutions and creative engagement.
Held at Portsmouth Guildhall, the event featured contributions from leaders working across housing, the arts, and local government. Speakers included Naomi Kingsley from London Rebuilding Society, Chris Bailey from Action on Empty Homes, Jinx Prowse of Music Fusion, and Councillor Suzy Horton of Portsmouth City Council. Together, they explored how to overcome barriers in both the housing sector and the creative economy, highlighting practical initiatives and lived experiences that drive long-term change.
Commenting on the event, CEO of Parity Trust, Sandeep Sesodia said, “It was wonderful to have our professional and business partners mark this occasion with us. For the past 25 years, we’ve provided access to ethical finance that transforms lives. Much has changed over that time but our mission remains the same. Looking ahead, we are committed to working closely with our local authority partners to tackle one of the toughest housing challenges we face today, empty homes. With housing waiting lists growing at an alarming rate, this is where we believe we can have the greatest impact in the years to come.”
After speaking at the event, Naomi Kingsley, CEO of London Rebuilding Society, said, “Access to secure, affordable housing is fundamental to health, dignity, and opportunity but for too many it’s out of reach. Events like this are vital for bringing together people with the power to create real, sustainable change.”
Sharing his thoughts, CEO of The Guildhall Trust, Andy Grays said, “The Guildhall Trust is a registered charity that places our community at the centre of everything we do to inspire, entertain and transform lives. For over 10 years we have been providing opportunities through our interactive Get Involved programme that engage people from all backgrounds to develop their passion for music and the arts. With a focus on developing creative skills and employability for young people, whilst supporting mental health improvements, we have seen that arts and culture really does have the power to change lives.
Understanding why people don’t engage, and then working with partners who have the specialist skills and knowledge to break down the barriers that are stopping people from engaging is key, so we were delighted to co-host today’s event with others who share our ambition, and showcase what we have achieved through our projects such as Dance Live! and our creative space for young people, The BASE, as it approaches the first anniversary since opening.”
With deep experience supporting young people, Councillor Suzy Horton, Portsmouth City Council, commented, “Tackling inequality requires all of us, public sector, community groups, and creative industries, to work in partnership. I’m proud Portsmouth is platforming this important topic.”
This event marks not only a celebration of Parity Trust’s 25 years of socially responsible finance, but also a call to action highlighting the need for more collaborative, cross-sector approaches to tackling inequality.
ABOUT PARITY TRUST: Parity Trust is a UK-based not-for-profit lender with over 25 years of experience providing responsible finance to individuals who are excluded from mainstream financial services. Specialising in supporting older people and vulnerable communities, Parity Trust offers a range of secured loan products designed to improve quality of life and promote social and financial inclusion. Through partnerships with local authorities and community organisations, Parity Trust helps tackle critical issues such as improving homes including energy efficiency upgrades and adaptations, empty homes, and community development, all while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical and sustainable lending practices. For more information visit www.paritytrust.org.uk and follow on LinkedIn