First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is celebrating a remarkable run of success after securing major recognition for its environmental and community work. The housing association has been awarded the Northern Housing Partnership of the Year Award for its innovative Greater & Greener project, delivered in collaboration with the National Trust. This accolade highlights how FCHO is working to improve biodiversity and green spaces across local communities in Oldham, bringing residents closer to nature while tackling climate change.

The Greater & Greener project has been praised for its partnership approach, which combines FCHO's housing expertise with the National Trust's environmental knowledge. Together, they have been transforming underused land into thriving habitats, planting trees, and creating wildlife corridors in estates across the borough. This effort is part of a wider push to make Oldham's neighbourhoods more sustainable and enjoyable for everyone.

In addition to this award, FCHO has achieved gold status in the prestigious SHIFT assessment for 2025, moving up from silver in 2024. The annual independent evaluation measures how housing associations make their properties, communities, and business operations greener. Gold status places FCHO among the leading housing providers in the country for sustainability, reflecting its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency in homes, and promoting eco-friendly practices among tenants.

FCHO's environmental drive is not just about awards; it has real impact on the ground. Residents in areas such as Hathershaw, Werneth, and Failsworth are seeing greener streets, better-insulated homes, and more opportunities to get involved in local conservation. The housing association has been working closely with community groups to ensure these projects meet local needs and build pride in the area.

Meanwhile, a separate partnership between Oldham Council and Housing and Care 21 has also been shortlisted for a prestigious award. Their Oldham Annual Service Report 2015/16 has been nominated in the Excellence in Annual Reports category at the North West TPAS awards. This recognition underscores the importance of clear and transparent communication between housing providers and the communities they serve. The awards ceremony is due to take place in Manchester, with local representatives hopeful of bringing another accolade back to Oldham.

These achievements reflect a broader trend of collaboration in Oldham's housing sector. From large-scale biodiversity projects to detailed reporting, organisations are increasingly working together to deliver better services and environments. For local residents, this means more than just plaques and certificates—it means tangible improvements in their daily lives, from warmer homes to greener parks.

FCHO's success in the Northern Housing Awards and its gold SHIFT status also send a positive signal to other housing associations in Greater Manchester. Oldham is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable housing, setting an example for how to balance affordability with environmental responsibility. Community leaders have welcomed the news, noting that it boosts the borough's reputation and attracts further investment.

Looking ahead, FCHO plans to expand its environmental programmes, with new initiatives focused on community energy and waste reduction. Tenants can expect more support to lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint, as well as further opportunities to take part in local green projects. The housing association has emphasised that these efforts are rooted in listening to residents and responding to their priorities.

The recent awards and nominations are a testament to the hard work of staff, partners, and volunteers across Oldham. They highlight a shared commitment to making the borough a better place to live, now and in the future. Whether through restoring natural habitats or achieving gold-standard sustainability, these achievements show what can be done when local organisations work together for the common good.