Lancashire

Providing homes our customers love 

Customers in Ormskirk and Scarisbrick told us that they were not satisfied with the standard of communal cleaning and grounds maintenance services. At the beginning of this year, we brought our environmental services inhouse, with these moving from contractors over to Onward Environmental. Customers here have told us that they are pleased with the services and have seen improvements now that they are delivered inhouse. 

Enabling people to be their best 

Through a grant from the Onward Community Fund, Sustainability Living CIC has helped to educate children on the alternative energy and planning needed to develop towns and raise awareness of local career opportunities. 

VOICE Boulevard Centre in Blackburn also received funding to expand their Breakfast Club initiative through the Fund.   

Creating places people are proud of 

In Yates Fold and Honeyhole, we have worked with Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council to improve waste management and tackle fly tipping.  

Enabling people to be their best 

Through a grant from the Onward Community Fund, Accrington Wildcats Rugby Club are delivering an equality project that aims to embed inclusivity in the sport and will see a focus on the recruitment of female, minority ethnic and disabled volunteers and players. The funding will also enable the club to increase its training schedule through an investment in mobile floodlights and capacity for community gatherings to enhance social cohesion, inclusivity and belonging across the borough.    

During Mental Health Awareness Week, 1st Call invited the local community in Hyndburn to get fishing for wellbeing. The event, led by volunteers, saw 16 local people with different abilities come together to relax, enjoy the fresh air, de-stress and escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. 1st Call have also provided funding for volunteers to complete Level 2 Angling qualifications, which will enable them to teach and coach others at future events. 

Providing homes our customers love 

In Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, our energy efficiency project is making homes warmer, quieter and more comfortable for customers. Working with our contractor, Equans, we are installing a range of measures in 126 homes that will increase their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating to level C. 

Enabling people to be their best 

We have supported the weekly Homework Club hosted by The Foxton Centre which is helping young people progress with English, maths and other subjects. 

1st Call are delivering the Move Forward project in Preston, which is helping local people aged 25 and over discover a life they’ll love by helping them to enhance skills, boost confidence, find the right training and volunteering opportunities, whilst also supporting with employment and childcare advice. 

Providing homes our customers love 

We recently upgraded to the full fire alarm system at our Lonsdale Chase scheme in Preston. Our Older Persons and Property Services teams were joined by contractors Openview at an Afternoon Tea event to thank residents for their cooperation and donated £1,000 to the scheme’s social fund. 

Enabling people to be their best 

Through the Onward Community Fund we have supported Ribble Valley Foodbank and their Olive Branch Community Café, which helps support people in need across the area. As well as support with food, visitors to the café can access help with housing, employment, money advice and health services.  

Providing homes our customers love 

In Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, our energy efficiency project is making homes warmer, quieter and more comfortable for customers. Working with our contractor, Equans, we are installing a range of measures in 126 homes that will increase their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating to level C. 

Creating places people are proud of 

Our Social Investment, Neighbourhoods and Older Persons Teams recently worked with contractor Equans to transform the communal gardens at Showley Court in Ribble Valley. Customers also got involved at the planting day, which saw hundreds of flowers planted across the scheme. 

Enabling people to be their best 

Alongside our Farrington Mews development, we’re investing back into the local community and have supported 11 apprentices to gain new skills and experience in construction.  

Providing homes our customers love 

On the outskirts of Leyland, our Farrington Mews development with Keepmoat has proven consistently popular with people looking for a more affordable route onto the local property ladder.