"It felt very natural for our charity to start offering social investment loans" - audio interview

£20 bank notes Photograph: Alamy

In something of a pioneering move for a frontline charity, St John’s Hospital in Bath has branched out into offering loans for social and charitable projects.

The charity, which also offers grants, has set up a £4m lending fund aimed at supporting projects which bring social change, after its research showed that many local groups were struggling for cash.

St John’s Hospital, which provides care and almshouse accommodation (for people over 65 who are struggling), has built its reserves through a portfolio of commercial and residential properties in Bath.

Here chief executive Jonathan O’Shea explains why it’s a natural step for the charity.

Jonathan O’Shea, chief executive of St John’s Hospital, Bath, talks to Guardian Voluntary Sector Network editor, Claudia Cahalane, about the charity’s move into social investment.

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