This year marks a significant milestone in our history as we celebrate 125 years since our founder, William Sutton, left his fortune to create some of the first social housing in London.
From those early beginnings in 1900 to becoming the UK's largest housing association today, our mission has remained steadfast: to provide good quality, affordable homes for those who need them most.
Throughout 2025, we're marking this important anniversary by celebrating our residents, our communities, and the positive impact of social housing. We’re also launching new initiatives, telling powerful stories, and looking to the future.
Introducing Local Lives podcast
Real life. Real stories. Real impact.
As part of our 125th celebrations, we’ve launched Local Lives: A Clarion podcast – a new series spotlighting the voices behind our communities.
Hosted by Mihalis and Meg, each episode features honest, uplifting conversations with residents, community leaders and frontline staff. From small moments of neighbourly support to big ideas that create lasting change, Local Lives captures what it means to be part of Clarion today.
Join us and listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Or visit clarion125.com/local-lives to explore episodes and guest stories.
Celebrating the past, investing in the future
Our 125th anniversary isn’t just about looking back, it’s about creating new opportunities and recognising the people shaping our communities today. Here are some of the ways we are celebrating our anniversary with our residents.
- The William Sutton Prize – with an enhanced £125,000 fund supporting innovation in sustainability and community wellbeing.
- Resident Hero Awards – recognising individuals who go the extra mile to support their neighbours and create lasting impact.
- The William Sutton Prize Scholarships – helping under-represented students pursue careers in architecture and sustainability.
- Film Schools – hands-on training for young creatives, delivered in partnership with Iconic Steps, empowering the next generation of storytellers.
- Making a Difference Fund – funding for community organisations to deliver creative, impactful local projects.
- Resident stories – capturing the lived experiences of those who call Clarion home, from past and present.
- The Foresight Group – a panel of thought leaders shaping our future strategy to ensure we meet the housing challenges of tomorrow.
Get involved
There are many ways to be part of the celebrations – from listening to the podcast and sharing your story, to nominating a hero or applying for funding.
Explore it all at clarion125.com – your hub for stories, initiatives, and opportunities throughout our anniversary year.