Nick Baldwin, Chair of leading UK housing provider Sanctuary Group, recently visited Asra Midlands to learn more about the work of Sanctuary's Leicester-based Black Minority Ethnic (BME) housing association.

Mr Baldwin, who was appointed Sanctuary's new Group Chair in November last year, was invited to visit some of Asra Midlands' schemes by its chairperson, Jaffer Kapasi OBE, so that he could see first hand the important services and activities carried out in the East Midlands by the Association.

His visit included a tour of Asra House, a residential care home for people with an Asian lifestyle in Belgrave, which caters specifically for the religious, social and cultural needs of older residents. This was followed by a visit to Asra's supported housing scheme for women fleeing domestic violence and a sheltered scheme where he was able to talk to the residents about the support they receive from Asra and Sanctuary. The day concluded with a tour of Asra's  family housing on the St Matthew's Estate.

Said Mr Baldwin: "Asra Midlands has established a strong reputation for delivering high quality homes and cost effective services under the Sanctuary umbrella and I am delighted to have had the opportunity to witness the excellent services and facilities the Association provides. The visit has also given me a greater understanding of residents diverse cultural needs and this will prove invaluable when looking at plans and opportunities for the future."