Housing providers across Greater Manchester are proving they are about much more than just bricks and mortar.
A new social value report released by Greater Manchester Housing Providers (GMHP) has revealed that collectively they have helped support 2,219 people into employment, cleared 12,424 of fly-tipped waste, and helped their customers to access more than £14m in benefits and grants to which they were entitled.
GMHP is a collaboration between 25 social housing providers from across Greater Manchester who work together to improve lives for people across the region.
The report, which covers the 2017/18 financial year, also reveals how GMHP has awarded £2.2 million in community grants and supported more than 1,000 local groups and projects.
Nigel Wilson, chief executive at Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and lead for the social value group at GMHP, said: “GMHP work closely together to improve the lives of our customers and our new social value report demonstrates the real difference that housing providers are making in our communities.
“We go far beyond just providing homes. From helping people into work and providing training opportunities, to supporting local community groups and volunteering in our neighbourhoods, the social value we are adding to the Greater Manchester area, is not just benefitting our own residents, but also the wider community, businesses and the economy.”
The report comes after GMHP set out its aims to work in partnership to improve lives, homes and communities. Its aims are:
- Promote employment and economic sustainability
- Raise the living standards of local residents
- Promote participation and citizen engagement
- Build capacity and sustainability in the voluntary and community sector
- Promote equality and fairness
- Promote environmental sustainability
Earlier this year GMHP also unveiled its Ambition to Deliver manifesto setting out its plans to tackle the housing crisis in Greater Manchester and build 16,000 new homes over the next five years.
