Summer school students gain insight into social housing at FCHO

We were delighted to welcome two enthusiastic young people, Lucy Richmond from Oldham and Ella Leys from Todmorden, to First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) as part of MP Debbie Abrahams’ annual summer school initiative.

Over four days, Lucy and Ella explored the inner workings of a modern social housing provider, spending time with teams across the organisation including Neighbourhoods, Development, Community Impact, and our busy Contact Centre, which supports over 23,500 customers living in 11,500 homes.

The 18-year-olds also had the opportunity to be mentored by senior leaders and meet our Chief Executive, Mark Gifford, gaining valuable insight into how FCHO delivers safe, secure homes and wider support to communities across Oldham.

Lucy, who recently completed her A Levels at Oldham Sixth Form College and hopes to study Law and Politics at the University of Liverpool, said:

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with FCHO, as it not only opened my eyes to potential career options for the future, but it showed the impact of social housing on the wider community of Oldham, and what it’s like to serve them.”

Ella, who studied at Rochdale Sixth Form College and plans to read Politics and International Relations at University College London, added:

 “FCHO has been such an incredible opportunity and it has been so eye opening to see a multitude of roles across the business and how instrumental they all are in developing social housing and helping people across Oldham.”

Chief Executive Mark Gifford commented:

“It has been a pleasure to have Lucy and Ella with us for a few days. We are big supporters of Debbie Abrahams’ summer school and were proud to offer places this year to those taking part. It is important young people have a knowledge of how politics and government work, but also how organisations like FCHO operate to make lives better as we offer safe and secure homes.

“Both girls learnt how we also do much more with advice and support to gain employment or making sure communities are supported with initiatives like wildflower meadows and community gardens. I know both came away with a good understanding that FCHO is more than just a landlord and it has an important part to play in Oldham in partnership with its MPs, council and others.”

MP Debbie Abrahams added:

“I want to thank FCHO for its support in providing placements for Ella and Lucy. I also want to thank the other local organisations: Action Together, Age UK and Oldham Council - who provided spaces for the other participants. Please keep an eye out for my 12th Summer School which will be advertised early next year.”