Planting grants for community groups

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing Logo

Community Groups across the borough are invited to apply for up to £2,500 to carry out a planting scheme to improve the look of their estate.  Any voluntary group with members who are tenants and/or residents on a local Council estate can apply.

Maybe a small planting scheme, perhaps to brighten up a communal seating area, or something more elaborate such as a children’s sensory garden for a mums and toddlers group. 

'Dig it' grants are the first in a number of initiatives that make up Rochdale Boroughwide Housing’s (RBH’s) new Communities First* scheme. The overall scheme aims to recognise and reward those who respect their local communities and to promote positive contributions by tenants and community groups on estates.

Sue Kershaw, Communities First Coordinator said: “RBH recognises the real difference that voluntary groups make to their communities.  Dig It grants will help to support their work and it is anticipated that this will encourage greater respect for our estates and encourage other people to follow their example”. 

Dig It grants are supported by Gordon Rigg Garden Centre (Rochdale), All in One Garden and Leisure (Middleton) and Rochdale Council’s Environmental Management department incorporating Bowlee Garden Centre who will offer advice to potential applicants.  If you are interested, contact Sue Kershaw:

Email: sue.kershaw@rbhousing.org.uk

Tel: 01706 273829

You will then receive an application form and can be signposted to advisors if you need them. Applications must be received by 10 April.

* Rochdale Boroughwide Housing has signed up to the Government’s Respect Standard for Housing Management. The standard aims to ensure that housing organisations take appropriate action to prevent, deter and stop anti-social behaviour and build stronger communities.

'Communities First' is a package of initiatives to recognise, reward and promote those who respect their communities.  This works alongside the enforcement action taken to reinforce the message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and good citizenship is valued.    

Over the next year or so RBH will be introducing a range of different awards and initiatives targeting different aspects of good citizenship. They will also be working with local schools to deliver key messages to children and young people on respecting their communities.