What did the organisation do to deliver social value?

Tenants at Bourke Gardens extra care scheme in Walkden took part in 10 activities to celebrate ageing. This was part of Ambition for Ageing’s programme to create more age-friendly places in our city region and empowering people across Greater Manchester to live fulfilling lives as they age.

39 tenants took part in 10 activities. The following sets out the difference these activities made in the words of participants and how they contribute to the 10% Better campaign.

Made use of green spaces to learn and enjoy the outdoors

Tenants took part in gardening delivered by Incredible Education, this is what they had to say:

I made a miniature garden in a pot and gave it to one of my daughters

I really enjoyed walking around the gardens

They took part in increased physical exercise through arm chair exercises, also held outside, this is what they enjoyed:

It was very good with age activities

They had an exercise class outside with chairs

Found exercise class most rewarding

I enjoyed walking around the gardens

Socialising with others to support wellbeing

Tenants from another scheme visited and they joined up for the events which also included forming a choir and sharing sensory animals visiting for the day. Tenants said they most enjoyed:

The chat with people from another scheme

Lovely to meet new residents from elsewhere

Meeting people and animals, especially the Rat Dog

Recycled to reduce waste

The Mustard Tree which sells recycled furniture provided a collection services for furniture tenants no longer wanted.

Volunteered

Some tenants met up and knitting clothes for the Bolton Neonatal Unit.

Overall the tenants had a great day, which they summed up with positive images of ageing:

People with varying degrees of disability all enjoying the day

That you can do things that you enjoy and not sit in your room and moan

All the other people playing with the pets

Seeing people enjoying being together, laugh and talking about experiences

What benefits has your organisation gained from being part of the 10% Better campaign?

Structured way to contribute social value in an area ensuring meeting local priorities.

Brief outline of your organisation:

City West Housing Trust

A ForViva group member, City West is a not-for-profit housing association that owns and manages over 14,800 homes in the North West.

Since launching in October 2008, following a stock transfer from Salford City Council, we have worked in partnership with customers and partners to build sustainable communities where local people are empowered to improve their lives through education, training and enterprise.

Which of the 10% Better Outcomes does your pledge & this case study relate to?

• MORE volunteering
• MORE Salford people saying that they have good wellbeing
• MORE recycling

Author name and contact details:

Elaine Sams, Business Improvement Manager