First Choice Homes Oldham sows the seeds to help community project GROWE

Local housing association First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) organised a volunteering day to give back to the local community by helping to transform a growing and wellbeing facility in Failsworth.

The ‘Give Back’ day took place on World Environment Day, during Volunteers’ Week, and saw more than 30 members of staff from FCHO come together at the GROWE Project in Failsworth to carry out some major improvements.

Launched in September 2022, the GROWE Project was once a derelict space and now comprises a community centre and one acre of land, which boasts a beautiful orchard and hosts a range of initiatives including horticultural workshops, fruit and vegetable growing facilities, forest school and areas to keep animals such as pygmy goats and bees.

It will also be offering kayaking and canoeing sessions on the adjacent canal later this year, which will be the first of its kind in Oldham.

On the day, FCHO staff were joined by volunteers from their partners including Holcombe Homes, Connolly Ltd and Robwood Construction, and received generous donations from both Robwood Construction and Wolseley to carry out improvements to the site including painting decking, planting, installing new flooring to the on-site kitchen which will eventually become a café open to the public.

As well as that, there was litter picking around the area, erecting a pergola and tidying the land by hedge-trimming, strimming and grass-cutting, so the facility is all set for summer.

Giving back to Oldham’s communities is something the housing provider is passionate about which is why all FCHO employees are encouraged to take two days out of their work schedule per year to carry out volunteering.

Naomi Martin-Smith is FCHO’s Learning and Development Co-ordinator and the driving force behind the ‘Give Back’ volunteering days.

She said: “Here at FCHO, we believe in not only providing good quality homes, but helping to make our neighbourhoods great places to live.

"We host ‘Give Back’ days regularly to help our communities be the best they can be.

"The GROWE Project is a fantastic initiative in Failsworth and I encourage everyone to come down and get involved.”

Adam Graham has worked as a Grounds Maintenance operative at FCHO for the past five years and regularly volunteers his time as part of the ‘Give Back’ days.

Adam said: “I’m a local lad; from High Crompton initially but now living in Chadderton, so for me, giving back to my hometown is something I consider really important.

"Over the years working at FCHO, I’ve dressed up as Father Christmas, took part in community clear up days and now I’m helping to transform GROWE.

“Volunteering is great for the mind and soul – and makes you feel really good about yourself by creating a sense of achievement and helping others.

"I love my job at FCHO and I think the colleague volunteering scheme is excellent.”

Naomi added: “Volunteering is a brilliant way to connect with like-minded people and make new friends, while giving something back.

"As well as supporting colleagues to take part in volunteering initiatives, I also help our customers find volunteering opportunities too.

"Volunteering can enable you to develop confidence and skills which could then help you find work or further your career – the benefits really are endless.”

FCHO customers who are interested in volunteering opportunities are encouraged to get in touch with the housing association and register your interest.

Email: volunteer@fcho.co.uk for a friendly chat today.

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