Number Eight, Tamworth

Number Eight (Tamworth), a frontline charity offering safe, supportive housing to young mothers, faced a critical structural issue in one of their properties. Thanks to LandAid’s Pro Bono Programme, they were matched with ARUP’s structural expertise in under two weeks, ensuring the safety and continuity of their vital work.

Location

Tamworth, UK

Number Eight offers safe housing and life-skills training, covering newborn care, cooking and housekeeping, welfare advice, and support into education or employment, for young mothers and mums-to-be in Tamworth. Operating since 2014, the charity runs two homes and works in partnership with the local authority to support residents into long-term independence.

In 2024, they secured funding to purchase a previously rented property. During renovations—after installing a new shower room—they discovered a potential structural fault in a rear wall. A previous owner had replaced a window with French doors and cut an arch to a conservatory, seemingly without upgrading the main joists. The safety of six young mothers and their babies was at immediate risk.

The role of our Pro Bono Programme

When Number Eight raised concerns about the safety of their property, they turned to LandAid for help. Within just two weeks, through the LandAid Pro Bono Programme, we had matched their urgent request with professional expertise from ARUP.

The referral came via our Midlands Regional Board, where Eva O’Connor (ARUP) responded immediately, bringing structural expertise to assess the issue. Board Lead Richard Hickman (Indurent) also played a crucial role, ensuring the process was seamless and the right expertise was in place quickly.

ARUP’s involvement means Number Eight now has a clear understanding of the risks posed by previous alterations and practical recommendations on how to make the property safe. This work is essential to keeping six young mothers and their babies in secure accommodation, and ensuring the charity can continue its wider programme of life-changing support.

It has been an utter delight working with Eva at ARUP. From the outset as a new partner, she has been wonderfully proactive, approachable, and so so knowledgeable. Making her a great asset to the Pro Bono Programme for the Midlands area. Assisted by Board Lead, Richard Hickman of Indurent, they made matching this urgent request absolutely seamless. I really do LOVE this part of the job, as the pro bono support offered to small frontline charities like Number Eight (Tamworth) is invaluable, and thus the impact- is tangible

Kt Banwell, Pro Bono Officer at LandAid

For a small charity like Number Eight discovering we may have a structural problem having just raised enough funds to replace the kitchen was devastating. I contacted Land Aid following a Google search with fingers crossed not really knowing what I needed. From first the contact to Arup offer was very quick, professional and friendly with a real desire to help us solve the problem.

Dawn Candy, Number Eight Tamworth

Number Eight supports young mothers during one of the most vulnerable stages of their lives—providing safety, skills, and hope when they need it most. LandAid’s Pro Bono Programme played a key role in preserving this support by enabling vital structural work to proceed securely.

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