Winners! We've scooped a major prize at the Northern Housing Awards!

We're celebrating winning a major prize at the prestigious Northern Housing Awards held earlier this month.

The housing association came out on top for its Greater & Greener project link-up with the National Trust to improve biodiversity in communities.

Announcing FCHO as the winner of the Northern Housing Partnership of the Year Award, the judges applauded the initiative “for demonstrating strong collaboration, practical delivery and shared commitment to improving outcomes for residents and communities in Oldham”.

Our Chief Executive Mark Gifford, Head of Neighbourhood Care David Wrigley and National Trust Project Officer Jenna Brooks were on stage with colleagues to pick up the accolade during the event held at The Kimpton Clocktower in Manchester on 21 May.

“We’re thrilled to have won this very important award which shows how housing associations can partner with national bodies to make a huge difference locally,” said David. 

“Our work together has successfully harnessed extensive shared expertise to ensure our communities are greater and greener while addressing inequality in accessing green spaces.

“Many thanks to everyone who has worked so hard on this exciting and important project here at FCHO at the National Trust.”

David explained some of the biodiversity initiatives included natural meadow creation in our communities through increased no-mow zones.

In addition, communal spaces have been improved alongside a formalised community land management process to enable residents and local groups to give views and get involved.

“All this work has taken place hand in hand with extensive habitat creation through planting native trees, flowers and bulbs to ensure long-term biodiversity impact and improve the environment for our customers,” he added.

Jenna Brooks, Project Officer for the National Trust said: “We want everyone to feel connected to nature. We have loved working with FCHO, helping them to make small but meaningful changes which improve people’s everyday access to nature. We can’t wait to see where this goes next.”

Other colleagues at the ceremony were: head of asset investments strategy James Latham, Sustainability Manager Olivia Greenhalgh and Head of Tenancy and Neighbourhoods Gemma Dolby.