As part of an initiative organised by Torus Foundation to increase engagement and support in our neighbourhoods, 24 Environmental Impact Days have taken place in Torus communities across the north west in the last five months.

Over 100 skips were filled with almost 1000 tonnes of rubbish during the Environmental Impact Days, thanks to the support from HMS Green Space operatives, many of which were young people on the Government’s Kickstart programme which gives people ages 16-24 a chance to earn while they learn.

As well as clearing away bulky household waste and fly-tipped items, the team have been working to tidy hedges and lawns for residents who may have been struggling, improving communal outdoor areas and helping communities to safely remove waste.

The Environmental Impact Days were also a great opportunity for teams from Torus Landlord services, Torus Foundation employment, skills and wellbeing teams, and key partnering organisations, to speak to tenants and residents about the issues impacting them and provide support and signposting where possible.

With 40,000 homes, Torus is one of the largest housing providers in the north west and Environmental Impact Days like these are helping them to continue to achieve their mission of growing stronger communities.

Debbie Appleton, Torus Foundation’s Youth and Community Development Team Leader, has managed these days with the team during every weather condition possible. Debbie explains:

“Residents have really shown an interest in wanting to work alongside Torus Foundation and invest in their own environment.

“During one of the days to limit hazards round Bonfire Night, two young lads volunteered their time to help lift heavier items into the skips for others on their estate who were struggling.

“Neighbours and key partners have showed a real willingness to work together to tackle issues like ASB – that’s the kind of community spirit that makes me proud to work in Torus communities with the Foundation.”

As well as providing the opportunity for residents to comment on areas of concern in their area, each visit has helped raise awareness of the free support available to all Torus tenants and residents from the Torus Group’s charitable arm, Torus Foundation. Whether it’s for support looking for work, to build skills, help managing the income or Torus tenants looking into the MindSpace mental health support initiative.

Jan Calland, Torus Regional Director adds:

“Torus are committed to investing in our communities and growing stronger communities by taking a wider role than that of a landlord. It’s been great to be back out in our communities making a positive difference with these events, they’ve been a huge success. Impact Days are a great opportunity for community engagement and for Torus to listen and respond to our tenant voice about important local issues and needs.

“Working with Torus Foundation and other partners we have been able to take services to customers providing essential advice and support on their doorsteps whilst also tackling liveability issues in the neighbourhood to help promote a safer, greener, cleaner, neighbourhoods that people take pride in.”

Torus Foundation is looking to deliver more of Environmental Impact Days in 2022, in the meantime, if you or someone you know lives in a Torus home, know that support is always available.

Speak to your landlord if you’re struggling to pay your rent or if you’re a tenant and would like to have more of a say and get involved with the decisions that involve your Torus neighbourhood, get involved with Torus Talk. To report fly-tipping in your area, please speak to your local council, or contact your landlord.

Torus Foundation also has a programme of free support available if you’re looking for work, to build your computer skills, help managing your money or perhaps look at ways of improving your health and wellbeing.

Contact the Foundation on 0300 123 5809, email info@torusfoundation.org.uk or head to www.torusfoundation.org.uk