At the start of 2023 we committed to getting back into our communities and reconnecting with our customers.

Staring in Newton in February, our Neighbourhoods Teams joined up with colleagues from across Torus and our local partners to hold 11 community events in our heartlands, including Clubmoor, Newton-le-Willows, Parr, Whitecross, Fairfield & Howley, Granby and Whitehall.

A mixture of Estate Walkabouts, Community Impact and Clean Up Days, these events all involve being more visible on our estates and speaking to tenants and residents about issues and concerns, whilst providing advice on housing, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and rent issues.

Torus Foundation have also regularly on hand to discuss employment support and help customers struggling with their utility bills, providing guidance, and signposting for support, and providing employment help. Whilst HMS have helped to remove rubbish, deal with fly-tipping and spruce up communal green spaces.

Across the 11 events, Torus funded and removed 55 x 8-tonne skips full of rubbish and fly-tipping and filled multiple scrap and cage vans!

Torus Group Housing Director, Paul Warburton, said:

“The pandemic meant that we were forced to have limited face-to-face contact with our customers. We have been working hard for the past couple of years to address this and rebuild the connection with our communities and, most importantly, increase trust and be more visible.

“The events are a fantastic opportunity to speak to customers in their own community and find out more about what is important to them and their concerns. It was also important to ensure that they are receiving the services and support both they and we expect.

“We also appreciate that some of our customers are being negatively impacted by the cost-of-living crisis and the events are another opportunity to make sure that they were aware of the support and opportunities available to them, from Torus Foundation and our housing support teams, including Income and Tenancy Sustainment.

“We are so thankful for the support of our partners, including the Local Authorities, Police and Councillors who have been great supporters of these events, often getting stuck in themselves, helping to fill the skips. We also love it when our customers come along and join in.

“I am looking to more events in 2024 and encourage customers to get in touch if they would like to request one in their area.”

Events took place for a range of reasons, to help remove any unwanted waste to prevent fires from Mischief Night and Bonfire night, to help get ready of the installation of new Eurobins and to help communities clear up for Christmas. Response from tenants has been positive, here is just some of the great feedback.

“What a great day, the teams from Torus have done a great job!”

Abingdon tenant

“I take my hat off to you lot cleaning the estate, it's looking good.”

Daneville tenant

“It was lovely to see other Torus staff on the estate, and we would love to see more similar events and interact more with teams from across Torus.”

Whitehall Estates Tenants and Residents Association, WETRA

Plenty more events are planned for 2024, you can find out more here.