Two young people from local MP Debbie Abrahams’ summer school have spent four days at First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) learning about how a social housing provider works.
Lucy Richmond, from Oldham and Ella Leys from Todmorden visited First Choice Homes Oldham departments like the neighbourhoods team, the development team and the community impact team.
The 18-year-olds also spent time with the contact centre that deals with FCHO’s 23,500 customers in its 11,500 homes, were mentored by executives and they met chief executive Mark Gifford.
Both are taking part in the Oldham East and Saddleworth MP’s annual initiative to give young people a chance to learn about politics, visit parliament and spend time with community organisations like First Choice Homes Oldham.
Lucy studied A Levels at Oldham Sixth Form and hopes to read law and politics at the University of Liverpool.
She 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 studied A levels at Rochdale Sixth Form and is looking to read politics and international relations at University College London.
She said: “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.”
Mr Gifford added: “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.”
Mrs 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.”
Image: (LR) Andy Ewart, FCHO Executive Director of Corporate Services Ella Leys, Debbie Abrahams MP’s summer school Mark Gifford, FCHO Chief Executive Lucy Richmond, Debbie Abrahams MP’s summer school
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