This week, we heard that a project we’ve been looking at for a while was about to be signed off.

The Niall Mellon Township Trust, one of Ireland’s most well know and respected charities, has confirmed it plans to launch in the UK – and has chosen Manchester as its first destination.

The Trust, est 2002, produces quality social housing for impoverished communities in the townships of South Africa. In year 1, they completed 150 homes – in total, they’ve completed 11,000 homes and have big plans for the future.

The charity operates year round in SA, but twice a year, thousands of volunteers take part in the Building Blitz, a week long building project that, in 2008, produced 253 new homes.

Social engagement will form a big part of the charity launch and ongoing campaign to build awareness in Manchester and then the UK.

Anyone who wants to get involved in the project can get in touch with me at jennifer.ogrady@democracypr.com.