Pioneering project short-listed for national award

Residents celebrate receiving funding for their projects at recent Decision Days

Our Choice, a ground-breaking scheme launched by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), has been short-listed for a National Housing Federation (NHF) Community Impact Award for helping to build stronger neighbourhoods across the borough.

The project enables residents to shape the future of their neighbourhoods by providing a pot of money for projects that are delivered for the community by the community.

A key element of the programme is that residents have the chance to vote at events called Decision Days for the activities they want to see provided.

During 2013 Our Choice awarded £37,530 to fund 22 projects including sports activities, luncheon clubs, environmental schemes, IT classes, homework clubs and arts and cultural events.

Jonathan Walton, RBH Engagement Manager, said: “We are delighted that Our Choice has been nominated for this honour in recognition of the way it is improving lives and strengthening communities.

“By taking the decision-making process into the heart of neighbourhoods it is reflecting our mutual values and giving residents the chance to show that they are the borough’s modern day pioneers.”

RBH will be up against two other housing providers at a regional heat in Manchester on 30 April for the right to compete for the national award.

David Orr, Chief Executive of the NHF, said: “We’ve had some fantastic submissions through for this year’s awards and the judges have had a tough job to do to select those shortlisted.

“RBH should feel very proud indeed - it is no small feat to have made it this far. It’ll be all eyes now to see who goes through to the finals.”