South Region News
Inspiring Futures: Great Places continues its commitment to raising aspirations at Manor Park Primary School
Great Places, in collaboration with Bowker Sadler and Sure Maintenance, is thrilled to announce the success of our recent inspiring event at our main office for Year 5 students aged 9-10 from Manor Park Primary School in Knutsford.
Throughout the event, students engaged in a spectrum of challenges and activities that provided invaluable insights into the housing industry. From operating facilities equipment and experimenting with infrared thermometers to donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), delving into the complexities of anti-social behaviour, and even recording interviews in the podcast room, the students were immersed in a dynamic and enriching experience.
This initiative aims to spark curiosity and introduce young minds to various career paths, fostering community ties and financial resilience. Following the success of the Raising Aspirations Project 22/23, the partnership with Manor Park Primary School will continue to unfurl its impact throughout the academic year, with planned workplace visits to local businesses such as Amelia Knight, Manchester Airport, and a university. These excursions are meticulously designed to broaden the horizons of students, endowing them with essential skills, and deepening their understanding of the many career opportunities available.
This strategic initiative is specifically crafted to inspire and empower young minds, acquainting them with diverse career paths, fostering community bonds, and instilling financial resilience.
The Impact Report reveals a remarkable 44% improvement in self-assessment scores at Manor Park Primary School, showcasing the positive outcomes of the Raising Aspirations Project.
Teachers at Manor Park Primary School, Mrs. Smith and Ms. Bisson, shared their thoughts, noting, “All of the children in Year 5 had an amazing morning exploring different skills and jobs. They were so engaged, excited, and keen to learn about the world of work and all the opportunities available to them.”
Rebecca Banks, Community and Partnerships Manager at Great Places, reflected on the project, stating, “As we witness the ongoing success of the Raising Aspirations Project, we’re profoundly encouraged by the positive impact it has on the children of Manor Park Primary School. The dedication of the students, coupled with the collaborative efforts of Great Places Housing Group and Bowker Sadler, reflects our commitment to nurturing not just academic growth but also the essential life skills and resilience needed for a bright future. We are grateful for the support we’ve received and excited to continue building on these achievements in the coming year.”
“All of the children in Year 5 had an amazing morning exploring different skills and jobs.”
Halloween in Salford: A unifying celebration for Chimney Pot Park
Last October, Great Places, in collaboration with the Friends of Chimney Pot Park Group, orchestrated a heartwarming Halloween celebration.
Aimed at creating a safe and entertaining space for children, the event turned the park into a hub of creativity with pumpkin carving, face painting, and laughter echoing through the air.
Beyond the festive revelry, the event served as a catalyst for community discussions about the future of Chimney Pot Park and the upcoming Neighbourhood Plan.
Representatives from Great Places engaged with residents, encouraging them to share their visions for the park. This marked the beginning of a collaborative journey toward a vibrant future, as the community came together to help shape its future.
Great Places emphasised the significance of creating nurturing environments for children during holidays, reinforcing their commitment to building healthy and thriving neighbourhoods. The Halloween celebration not only entertained but also laid the groundwork for a stronger, interconnected community.
Great Places visits The Bread-and-Butter Thing
Members of Great Places’ senior leadership team have paid a visit to Manor Park’s “The Bread-and-Butter Thing” to give a helping hand and learn more about this project.
Alison Dean, Executive Director of People & Culture and Rachel Mills, Director of Customer Experience, helped to sort and pack bags at the weekly food club in Longridge and Shaw Heath.
Great Places have been working with partners to bring “The Bread-and-Butter Thing” to Longridge and Shaw Heath after identifying that poor connectivity is a barrier to food security in the neighbourhood. The mobile food club aims to reduce food waste and make life more affordable for people on a low income, thereby building stronger communities. You can sign up as a new member via the website or by texting 07860 063 304 with your full name, postcode, and the words “Manor Park”.
For £8.50, customers receive three bags every week containing fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled produce, and store cupboard items, supplied by supermarkets, food manufacturers and farmers who donate their surplus. The Bread-and-Butter Thing never knows what they are going to get from day to day, which means each week your bag of food will be different – but it is always excellent quality, fresh produce. Most people will still need to top up from the shops, but the food bags do go a long way and take that edge off the weekly food cost.
You don’t have to receive bags every week and you can pay with cash, card or by using healthy start vouchers. For more information visit: www.breadandbutterthing.org/become-a-member
Brewing opportunities with Great Places!
We are happy to share a heartwarming success story that demonstrates the power of community support and collaboration!
Thanks to the internal Social Value Funds provided by Great Places, our Employment & Skills Team has recently acquired a complete barista setup based at Northmoor Community Centre. This central hub will be the epicentre of our barista training initiatives, fostering skill development, and creating meaningful opportunities for our community.
Our comprehensive training sessions not only cover practical barista skills but also include elements like customer service, confidence building, and basic food hygiene. We have already conducted a highly successful pilot session at Christine Court, Altrincham, receiving positive feedback and enthusiasm from participants.
The recent move of our barista setup to Northmoor Community Centre addresses logistical challenges, allowing us to use the equipment effectively for the foreseeable future. Our next steps involve delivering a series of barista workshops and engaging with relevant employers to create valuable connections and opportunities for our community members.
Our colleague, Sabha Amin, is spearheading employer engagement efforts, reaching out to local coffee shops and larger chains. By fostering partnerships with these establishments, we aim to support their recruitment needs and provide valuable opportunities for our community members. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to creating positive social impact through our Social Value Fund.
Great Places & Emmaus Salford join forces for community wellbeing!
In the heart of Salford, the collaboration between Great Places and Emmaus Salford has blossomed into a lifeline for the local community, navigating the trials of the Covid pandemic and the Cost-of-Living crisis.
Thanks to the generous £7000 from the Greater Together Fund facilitated by Great Places, Emmaus Salford continues to be a pillar of support. Lucie’s Pantry, a social supermarket, provides affordable essentials to over 600 households, while the furniture store offers quality second-hand pieces, preventing waste.
Emmaus’s School Uniform Hub redistributes uniforms to families in need, showcasing their commitment to diverse community needs. Partnering with HMP Risley and RHS Bridgewater, they repair bikes and cultivate gardens for community meals.
However, a crossroads lies ahead as Emmaus Salford faces potential disruption due to site development plans. Jackie Smith, CEO of Emmaus Salford, emphasizes the need for new premises to sustain their vital work.
Let’s rally together! Reach out to Jackie Smith at Jackie.Smith@emmaus.org.uk to support Emmaus through donations, volunteering, or providing suitable land/buildings. This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnerships in fostering positive change. Together, let’s ensure Emmaus Salford’s mission thrives and endures!
Spotlight on Meadow Lodge: transforming living experience
Meadow Lodge in Stretford is evolving to elevate resident living. Emphasising interactive, resident-led activities, the goal is to create a diverse, confident community ready for independent living.
Digital inclusion initiatives
Meadow Lodge values digital literacy and partners with Lifeshare to launch inclusive sessions. Residents gain basic IT skills, receiving donated laptops and smartphones for connectivity.
Art sessions and mural project
Collaborating with artist Richard Preston, Meadow Lodge engages residents in art sessions, contributing to a courtyard mural.
Fitness and wellbeing
Led by a resident-turned-trainer, scheduled fitness classes promote physical health, community, and collaboration.
Music recording sessions
Supporting passions, Meadow Lodge enables residents to record in a professional studio, showcasing commitment to individual talents.
EGG collaboration
EGG at Meadow Lodge builds life skills and employment connections, fostering resident initiatives like clothing lines.
Other activities
Beyond traditional support, Meadow Lodge hosts diverse activities, promoting friendship and mutual support.
Meadow Lodge’s commitment to resident support, innovative programmes, and partnerships ensures a positive living experience. As the community evolves, Meadow Lodge remains dedicated to preparing residents for independent living. Hear Dean’s experience:
