Manchester Pride!
On Saturday 26 August as part of HouseProud North West and Rainbow Roofs, Great Places participated in Manchester Pride!
Great Places’ float was decorated in line with our spin on this year’s theme ‘Queerly Beloved’ – with Bee balloons and letters carried by our walkers spelling ‘Bee Proud, Bee Loved, Bee Home’ to reflect the Manchester bee. Customers and providers of social housing came together to celebrate Pride and promote equality in social housing.
Rainbow Roofs is a group for LGBTQ+ customers of social housing across the North West, and we would like to encourage our customers to get involved. Interested in finding out more? Please email: rainbowroofs1@outlook.com
Andrew Gray, Director of Independence & Wellbeing, and one of our colleagues who joined the float, said:
“It was an amazing day with fabulous atmosphere and energy. I’m really happy we were able to represent House Proud and Great Places, and it managed not to rain too much until the very end! I would encourage other colleagues to join us in future events. Let’s all get involved and be bigger and more colourful next year!”
Furniture donation to help empower women
Recently Great Places made a furniture donation to SAWN – Support and Action for Women’s Network, after both our Oldham Office and Keyworker Accommodation (Great Places temporary accommodation for NHS workers) refurbishment.
SAWN are an organisation dedicated to uplifting women from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to lead independent and fulfilling lives. They’re based in Stockfield Mill in Chadderton, Oldham.
For women who have experienced domestic violence, homelessness, or financial struggles, acquiring essential furniture can be a significant obstacle to regaining a sense of normality. By donating furniture, you can create an environment that promotes healing, rebuilding self-esteem, and inspiring women to envision a brighter future.
Karen, the Inclusion and Wellbeing Lead at SAWN said:
“Thanks to Great Places for their generous donation of beds and office furniture to Support and Action for Women’s Network SAWN, an organisation based in Chadderton supporting the local community.
“The donation of beds has ensured families with children that have fled domestic violence along with other issues have beds, they are now sleeping safely and well at night. The Office furniture has been shared with other community groups recognising the cost-of-living crisis.
“Sharing is caring and together we are better. Thank you, Great Places, for sharing with us enabling us to work in partnership not only with yourselves but with our community.”
If you would like to find out more about SAWN you can visit their website here – sawn.org.uk
Great Places to deliver groundbreaking LGBTQ+ housing project in Manchester
Great Places has been selected as the preferred provider to design, build and manage the UK’s first purpose-built LGBTQ+ majority older person’s extra care housing scheme at Russell Rd in Whalley Range, Manchester.
The project will deliver more than 100 apartments for people aged 55 or over and is being developed with the input of the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation. Great Places will also work towards the Foundation’s Pride in Ageing accreditation to ensure inclusive and respectful services for the LGBTQ+ community.
Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth, said: “We’re delighted to deliver and manage Greater Manchester’s first LGBTQ+ majority extra care housing scheme. It is an incredible opportunity for Great Places to develop a Centre of Excellence for safe and identity confirming Independent Living and Extra Care services for the LGBTQ+ community.”