FCHO win top award

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is celebrating winning a major prize at the prestigious Northern Housing Awards.

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”. 

FCHO 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 May 21.  

“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 Mr Wrigley. 

“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.” 

Mr Wrigley explained that some of the biodiversity initiatives included natural meadow creation in FCHO 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 FCHO staff at the ceremony were: head of asset investments strategy James Latham, sustainability manager Olivia Greenhalgh and head of tenancy and neighbourhoods Gemma Dolby.