First Choice Homes and Casey Group team up to make a real difference in Oldham

After being furloughed from their usual roles, a number of Casey Group staff are volunteering with First Choice Homes to provide important support to vulnerable people

Oldham-based housing association, First Choice Homes, has teamed up with local development partner, Casey Group, to make a difference to customers and local people affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

After being furloughed from their usual roles, a number of Casey Group staff are volunteering with First Choice Homes to provide important support to vulnerable people in our borough and across Greater Manchester.

Not wanting to be left with time on their hands and keen to help the local community, the volunteers have supported operations at Oldham Foodbank and the Bread and Butter Thing warehouse in Trafford Park, and helped to distribute frozen airline meals among the social landlord’s community hubs.

They are working strictly in line with government restrictions to limit the spread of the virus.

Desley Sandiford, who usually works as an Information Co-ordinator at Casey Group, has volunteered on two occasions - delivering frozen airline meals to Wallshaw Street Community Centre and also helping out at the Oldham Foodbank hub at Oldham Leisure Centre.

She said: “After being furloughed I wanted to do something for other people.

"I spent my shift at the Foodbank hub dropping off food parcels to a mixture of people including disabled and elderly, and families with young children – all of whom are isolating and don’t have anyone to else to help them.

"The service is giving them a real lifeline and it was clear to see how grateful they were for their deliveries.

“Personally I got a lot out of doing my bit for others and at times like these I think it’s very heartening that so many volunteers are coming forward to offer their help.”

Heidi Thompson, Executive Director of Homes and Investment at First Choice Homes said: “Seeing our colleagues from Casey Group take on these additional roles and play an important part in helping people at this time is very humbling and we’re extremely grateful for their support.

“We're all about improving lives in Oldham and teaming up with local contractors to make a difference to the communities in which we work, and having volunteers from Casey on board to help deliver our response to Covid-19 is an exceptional example of this.

"Thank you to everyone involved!”

Casey Group Director, Matthew Sorrigan, said: “As one of our key partners, we are delighted to be able to work alongside First Choice Homes in their response to Covid-19.

"Our company purpose is “improving lives” and we are therefore extremely proud of our team members who have volunteered their time to support the local communities and worthy causes during these unprecedented times.”

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