Thousands of residents across the North West to be supported through Onward’s winter resilience programme
Leading North West housing association, Onward Homes, has announced its annual winter resilience programme which is set to help thousands of residents through targeted support.
The programme, which has supported over 15k people in previous years, will run through to March 2026 and incorporates warm spaces with low-cost food and drinks, winter support packs, Christmas events and weekly drop-ins providing help and advice on money, mental health and wellbeing, and safeguarding.
As part of the programme, Onward has also partnered with its supply chain to support initiatives run by local organisations that are tackling food and warmth insecurity, reducing social isolation, and boosting wellbeing through its Community Fund.
In Greater Manchester, over £14.7k was granted to six projects, including First Kick Foundation’s series of drop-in events for young people and adults.
First Kick Foundation, a not-for-profit based in Salford helps young people and adults to develop the confidence and skillset to thrive through a place based, person centred and life enhancing approach. Through a grant from the Fund, the Foundation will be delivering a range of free, community-based support services to help local families and individuals build resilience, access healthy meals, receive financial and wellbeing advice, and foster a sense of belonging during what can be a challenging period.
Tom Hutton, Head of First Kick Foundation, said:
“This grant will enable residents in Salford to access a warm, inclusive and welcoming space throughout the winter period. Local people will be able to take part in a range of activities when accessing this space, such as interactive gaming and family sport activities, alongside being able to access a range of informal advice and guidance sessions, to help them lead the lifestyles they desire.”
Six projects were granted over £13.3k in Lancashire, including Accrington Stanley Community Trust’s social inclusion programme for the over 50s.
Accrington Stanley Community Trust is a registered charity that supports local people across Hyndburn and the wider East Lancashire area through sport, education, health and community projects. The Trust will be using a grant from the Fund to enhance its social inclusion programme for over 50s at the Stanley Sports Hub. This will include extending its warm hub hours, and offering free refreshments, wellbeing activities and support services to help older residents in the area stay connected, nourished and supported through the colder months.
Martin Fearon, Chief Executive Officer at Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said:
“We’re delighted to receive support from the Onward Community Fund for our Extra Time Winter Resilience Programme. This funding will make a real difference to older residents in our community, helping us provide a warm, safe and welcoming space throughout the winter months. With Onward’s support, we can offer hot refreshments, wellbeing activities and vital social contact for people who may otherwise feel isolated or struggle with rising living costs. This award will help local older adults stay connected, supported and healthy during the toughest time of the year.”
And in Merseyside, over £12.8k was granted to six projects, including Health on the Agenda’s healthy eating and social inclusion programme.
Health on the Agenda (HotA), empowers residents across Merseyside to improve their wellbeing and resilience by delivering creative health initiatives, fostering practical skills for warmth and sustainability, and nurturing community connection through the arts. Through a grant from the Fund, HotA will be delivering Soup N Sew, a community-led initiative in Liverpool that brings people together through food and sewing, helping to tackle loneliness, teach valuable skills for keeping homes warm, and foster lasting friendships.
Mandy Meaghan, Director and Project Manager at Health on the Agenda, said:
“This project sort of evolved to support the cleaners who came on our sewing programme and were a bit hungry after work. They loved the soup so much they asked us to show them how to make it. Now, we cook together and then sew later on. It’s a win win, and they love it.”
Other projects supported include food and warmth initiatives by St James’ Church, Army of Kindness, Hyndburn Food Pantry, The Florrie, and Kitty’s Laundrette, as well as social inclusion programmes from Bury People First, Brave Church, Friends of Rhyddings Park CIO, Blackburn House, and Windmill Hill Together. Mahdloyz, Oasis Oldham Community Hub, Maundy Relief, Home Start Lancs, and Liverpool Tool Library are also offering sessions for families and individuals interested in cooking and DIY skills.
These initiatives, made possible through Onward and its supply chain partners DAS Systems, WRPS, Casey, AMC Group, Rhodar, Stannah, Davies Group, Bevan Brittan Solicitors, AA Molyneux, PFH and DLP, are part of the social landlord’s commitment to maximise the positive impact it has for its customers.
Joanne Danaher, Director of Housing and Home Ownership at Onward, said:
“We’re passionate about making a real difference across the communities we serve, and our winter resilience programme demonstrates what’s possible when we work together with our supply chain and local organisations. By joining forces, we’re able to reach more residents, offer greater support, and ensure that nobody faces the colder months alone.”
“We’ve heard first-hand from our customers how much this support has meant in previous years, so we can’t wait to welcome those living across our communities and look forward to sharing the warmth and community spirit that makes our neighbourhoods so special.”
A full overview of the support programme can be found by visiting Onward’s website (onward.co.uk/winter-support). Onward’s customers can also access further support with money advice, housing, food, employment, mental health and wellbeing by emailing customerservices@onward.co.uk or calling 0300 555 0600.