Budding Neighbourhoods competition 2026 has opened

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has launched its annual Budding Neighbourhoods competition for customers, leaseholders, volunteers and community groups who improve the environment where they live.

Community in Bloom is the theme for this year's popular online contest after customers told the housing association they wanted a greater emphasis on community involvement, shared spaces and positive neighbourhood impact. 

There are six categories this year: best private garden, best window box or hanging basket, best communal garden, best community garden, best community green space and best community centre garden across venues delivering services to FCHO customers. 

First prize in each category is a £100 love2shop voucher and second prize is a £50 love2shop voucher. 

“We’re really excited to kick off the 2026 Budding Neighbourhoods competition and are looking forward to seeing many high-quality entries,” said FCHO stronger communities manager Naomi Martin-Smith. 

“This year is a little different with a focus on community and a positive impact on our neighbourhoods. This is very much in line with our own work making FCHO areas greener and greater as every year we plant more wildflowers, bulbs and trees to improve where our customers live. 

“But the competition is not about perfect gardens or the biggest displays. It is about recognising people and groups who make a difference by looking after gardens, improving shared spaces, creating welcoming areas, brightening streets with planting and helping bring communities together.” 

The competition is open to FCHO customers and leaseholders. However, voluntary or community groups in those areas can also take part; entries will be judged. It runs from July 13 until September 1. 

Entries will be judged on pride in space, overall appearance, community involvement, creativity and positive impact on the neighbourhood. 

Customers can find out more and submit their entries at: https://www.fcho.co.uk/your-neighbourhood/awards-and-competitions/budding-neighbourhoods/