Page 2 - TUNTUM 35th Anniversary Brochure

2
TheTuntumstorybegan in1988
Welcome to Tuntum’s story
Tuntum was set up over 35 years ago by community activists from the Windrush generation to provide quality housing and jobs for people primarily from the black Caribbean community in Nottingham. From those humble beginnings, the Association has significantly grown and diversified its operations whilst still maintaining its identity as a BME-led housing association.
After 29 years as Chief Executive, I have decided it is time to retire at the end of September and accept that ‘all good things must come to an end eventually’. I am pleased to say that I will be succeeded
by Charmaine Simei who comes with an excellent track record of achievement in
establishing initiatives which promote social justice and economic resilience; skills and experiences which are an almost perfect fit for Tuntum.
It has been a real privilege to have led the growth of Tuntum from 50 homes in 1994
to over 1600 homes today, operating in 12 local authorities. Reflecting on the last 29 years, I am pleased by the positive difference we have made to many of our tenants and the numerous vulnerable groups we have served which include refugees, homeless young people, women fleeing domestic violence, young single mothers and others. As evidence of our commitment to serve communities beyond just housing, we can
proudly point towards various examples: such as our support for the evacuees from the island of Montserrat; our leadership in providing resettlement for refugees from Syria; and of course our leadership of the Nottingham Carnival, a festival of Caribbean culture that, like Christmas, has become an annual celebration. It is these activities which, in addition to housing, make us a unique social business keeping to the original vision of making a difference to communities.
Clearly, none of these successes would have happened without the support of colleagues, board members, and stakeholders who have served the Association well and supported me during my 29 years here.