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Local MP Mike Amesbury welcomed a tour around Reconnecting Runcorn’s flagship projects, where onsite works have commenced, completed or progressed on all 8 of the projects this quarter including structures going in at our very own High Street independent living development.

Other exciting project updates include:


Unlock Runcorn begin an archaeological excavation to reach the bullnose
Construction begins at Youthy.com
The Brindley Enhancement is underway
Peace and tranquillity as work finishes on the Peace Garden at the Buddhist Temple


Representing the Runcorn constituency, Mr Amesbury met with project representatives to hear more about each of them and what is next for them.

Hear our Development Manager Ria Griffiths provide an update on the progress on site at High Street in the video below.



Read more about the progress on the other seven projects of Reconnecting Runcorn here.

Reconnecting Runcorn was awarded £23.6m in 2021 from the UK Government’s Towns Fund as part of the Town Deals Programme to deliver the Runcorn Town Investment Plan. This funding enabled the development of eight projects incorporating 15 strands, that collectively will enhance local connections, through improved training and economic opportunities, enhanced transport links, housing and environmental improvements and upgraded visitor attractions.

 
<h2>Breaking ground across Runcorn!</h2> <h3>reconnecting runcorn</h3> <h3>Runcorn</h3> <h3>new homes</h3> <h3>affordable homes</h3> <h3>mike amesbury</h3>

We’re proud to announce that Halton Housing has been shortlisted in two categories at the 2025 Halton Business Awards: Employer of the Year and Commitment to the Community.

This marks the second consecutive year that Halton Housing has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to the local community - an achievement that reflects the dedication and impact of our teams across all areas of the business.

The Employer of the Year category celebrates organisations that go above and beyond in providing a supportive, engaging and forward-thinking work environment. At Halton Housing, we’re committed to fostering a culture of learning and development, offering opportunities for professional growth, and championing the health and wellbeing of our employees.

Our nomination for Commitment to the Community highlights the meaningful work we continue to do within Halton. Initiatives such as Spruce Up Your Streets, our Uniform Support Scheme, and the Christmas Hampers Campaign were all featured in our submission - and clearly made an impression with the judges.

The winners will be announced later this year at a special awards ceremony hosted at Halton Stadium. Until then, we’re keeping our fingers crossed and looking forward to celebrating with other businesses doing great things across the borough.
<h2>Halton Housing Named Finalist in 2025 Halton Business Awards</h2> <h3>award</h3> <h3>awards</h3> <h3>business awards</h3> <h3>Halton</h3> <h3>halton chamber</h3> <h3>halton housing</h3> <h3>shortlist</h3> <h3>shortlisted</h3> <h3>finalist</h3> <h3>community</h3> <h3>communities</h3> <h3>Employer</h3> <h3>employment</h3>

We are delighted that our Health and Safety apprentice Olivia Royle (pictured, left) won the 'Apprentice/Young Person of the Year' award at Friday night's Halton Business Awards, organised by the&nbsp;Halton Chamber of Commerce, at the DCBL Stadium.

Working within the Health and Safety team, Olivia has achieved so much during her apprenticeship.&nbsp; She was heavily involved in the launch of a new health and safety reporting system and has since gone on to secure a permanent role within the team.&nbsp;

We had two apprentices, Olivia Royle and Molly Case both shortlisted for the award, with Molly narrowly missing out on the night.&nbsp; Molly has worked in the Communications Team as Digital Marketing Apprentice. Molly assists with digital campaigns and supports content on our website and social platforms.&nbsp;

For them both to be shortlisted and for one of our talented crop of apprentices to win the award, was absolutely fantastic, and a proud moment.

We also sponsored the 'Commitment to the Community' award which our Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer Neil McGrath presented to the SOG Group's Eat@TheHeath. Very worthy winners who run a weekly club for lonely and isolated over 50s in Runcorn.



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A group of colleagues from Halton Housing attended the awards, hosted by Dave Guest of BBC Northwest Tonight fame, which was a great night, showcasing the very best of local businesses in Halton.
<h2>A win at the Halton Business Awards 2022</h2> <h3>Halton</h3> <h3>business</h3> <h3>awards</h3> <h3>apprentices</h3>

Kick off the school summer holidays by coming along to our Grange summer family fun day.

Join us on Friday 21st July, 1:00pm – 3:30pm for a fun-filled day in the Grange Community Garden next door to the Co-Op.



This exciting outdoor event will be filled with action-packed fun and activities including sport, play, workshops, face painting and much, much, more.

Disney favourite and icon Mickey Mouse will also be making an appearance!

Admission is free but you must obtain a ticket to attend.

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Activity and stall providers sought

We’re keen to hear from any companies able to provide activities and stalls for children and young people. Stall holders may also wish to attend. These could be representing local charities or clubs looking to raise their profile or displaying gifts.

If you are interested in bringing your activity or stall to Grange Summer Family Fun Day, please email involved@haltonhousing.co.uk.
<h2>Grange Summer Family Fun Day</h2> <h3>grange</h3> <h3>summer</h3> <h3>event</h3> <h3>fun</h3> <h3>day</h3>

On Saturday 7th October, from 10am – 3pm the team at Open Door (the commercial arm of Halton Housing), will be doing away with their usual appointment booking system, and instead offering this one day drop in for anyone interested in finding out more about our over 55s Shared Ownership apartments at Hazlehurst.&nbsp;

Hazlehurst, located on Actons Wood Lane, Sandymoor, Runcorn is a contemporary 100 apartment independent living development for over 55s, offering 2-bedroom apartments available from just £43,750*. Over 50% of apartments are now sold!&nbsp;

*based on a 25% share&nbsp;

Whether you’re considering independent living for yourself, or you’re looking at options on behalf of a friend or family member, this open day is the perfect opportunity for anyone interested to find out more, and to get in quick while we still have apartments available.&nbsp;

The Open Door team will be on hand throughout the day to answer any questions and will be taking visitors on tours of the building including communal space like the 1816 bistro, lounge, activity room and gardens, as well as our stunning show apartment. Tours will be taking place at 11am and 1pm and although there’s no need to book in advance, we’d encourage you to register your interest using the form below or by clicking&nbsp;here.&nbsp;



There is free parking on site and refreshments will be available. Plus, everyone who joins us on the day will be able to take away a free gift along with a brochure detailing everything you need to know about Hazlehurst.&nbsp;

If you can’t join us on the open day, or you can’t wait until then to find out more, don’t worry, simply call Angela, our lead sales negotiator on 0333 00 44 777 or visit opendoor-homes.co.uk&nbsp;

We hope to see you there!&nbsp;

Hazlehurst Open day&nbsp;

Saturday 7th October&nbsp;

10am – 3pm&nbsp;

Hazlehurst, Actons Wood Lane, Sandymoor, Runcorn.&nbsp;
<h2>Hazlehurst open day</h2>

This May, we’re supporting Plantlife’s&nbsp;‘No Mow May campaign.

The campaign doesn’t ask for much. In fact, it requires nothing at all… Just lock up the lawnmower on May 1st and let the wildflowers in the grass bloom, providing a feast of nectar for our hungry pollinators.

During May, we’ll be leaving certain areas of grass to grow as well as planting wildflower seeds in our neighbourhoods. Leaving grass to grow will support biodiversity and help our bees, butterflies, wildlife and us!&nbsp;



Mowing tips for encouraging wildlife

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cut once every four weeks

Cutting just once a month encourages the maximum number of flowers to grow in your lawn. Ideally, leave around three to five centimetres of grass length.

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Leave areas of long grass

The experiment also resulted in greater diversity of flowers in areas of grass that were left completely unmown, with oxeye daisy, field scabious and knapweed offering up important nectar sources.

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You don’t have to stop mowing completely

Some species, such as daisy and bird’s foot trefoil, are adapted to growing in shorter swards. Cutting flowers from these plants once a month stimulates them to produce more blooms.

We encourage all customers to keep their garden/outside space well-maintained in line with your tenancy agreement.&nbsp;

Every small step is part of a bigger picture in our efforts towards sustainability and our green agenda.
<h2>Say ‘no’ to the mow this May!</h2> <h3>grass</h3> <h3>lawn</h3> <h3>mowing</h3> <h3>cutting</h3> <h3>sustainability</h3> <h3>bees</h3>

Staff and pupils at Woodside Primary school in Runcorn have been toasting their new commercial conveyor toaster for the school’s breakfast club, thanks to £550 worth of funding from our Helping Hands fund.

The school also used the funding to purchase games for the club which over 60 children attend every morning.

Commenting on the impact the toaster is already having for the club, Head Teacher, Richard Collings said:

"It was such a great benefit to us at Woodside to receive funding from Halton Housing. We chose to spend the money on a catering toaster as it was so time consuming using regular household toasters which also keep breaking. Thanks to this new equipment we can now do bagels, crumpets and regular toast which gives children a greater choice every day. It’s definitely their favourite thing!

Thank you so much to Halton Housing for the donation and our Chair of Governors, Rev. Emma Speake for starting this process.”

Evidence shows that providing a healthy school breakfast at the start of the school day can contribute to improved readiness to learn, increased concentration, and improved wellbeing and behaviour.

If you or someone you know runs a community-based project that could benefit from financial support from the Helping Hands fund, whether it’s a refurb of a scout hut, a kitchen makeover in a community centre, or a hospice garden in need of some TLC, get in touch today for an application form.

Visit the Helping Hands website page for further information.&nbsp;
<h2>Woodside Primary School makes a toast to its new conveyor toaster for its breakfast club</h2> <h3>helping</h3> <h3>hands</h3> <h3>funding</h3> <h3>support</h3>

Following a successful application to our Helping Hands fund, we were delighted to award St. Andrew's Church in Grange, Runcorn with over £900 to support the church's popular weekly groups.

These groups offer the community a warm place to gather, enjoy a nutritious meal, find friendship, and feel a sense of belonging. St. Andrew's hosts a variety of activities, including a community toddler group, a weekly church fellowship, the Muddy Church group, an active pensioners' group, and an after-school Lego club.

The church will use the funding to buy essential items for food provision, including two catering toasters, a foldaway trolley, mugs, bowls, and cutlery.

Georgina Crank, Halton Housing's Social Impact and Engagement Offices said: "It was great to see how the money will be making a difference and going such a long way in bringing the local community together. With so many activities going on at the church we can see these toasters working overtime to provide lovely warm toast with a cup of tea for the many groups!&nbsp; We’ll have to pop along for some ourselves sometime soon!”

If you or someone you know runs a community-based project that could benefit from financial support from the Helping Hands initiative, whether it’s a refurb of a scout hut, a kitchen makeover in a community centre, or a hospice garden in need of some TLC, get in touch today for an application form.

Visit the Helping Hands website page for further information.&nbsp;

Applications are now open for the autumn 2024 round until 17th September.&nbsp;
<h2>Successful Helping Hands application will be the toast of Grange!</h2>

We are proud to share that Halebank CofE Primary School has received £1400 through our Helping Hands fund.

This vital funding will enable the school to significantly enhance their support for families facing financial challenges.

Building on their existing Kindness Cupboard (foodbank) and uniform rail, established with previous support from us, the new funding will allow them to replenish these essential resources, including the purchase of coats, gloves, and PE kits for children in need.

Looking to provide even more practical assistance, the school has also been able to purchase a washing machine and tumble dryer to ensure every child has access to clean uniforms in good condition.

This initiative reflects the school's deep commitment to the well-being of their pupils and their families, many of whom are Halton Housing tenants in the Halebank area.

Georgina Crank, Social Impact and Engagement Officer, states, "We are delighted to be able to support Halebank CofE Primary School through the Helping Hands fund. Their dedication to their families, particularly in these challenging times, is truly commendable. This funding will build upon the positive impact of their existing initiatives and directly benefit many of our tenants in the Halebank community, ensuring children have access to essential resources and support.”

If you or someone you know runs a community-based project that could benefit from financial support from the Helping Hands initiative, whether it’s a refurbishment of a scout hut, a kitchen makeover in a community centre, or a hospice garden in need of some TLC, we’re always on the lookout for worthy applications from the community. Visit the Helping Hands website page here.
<h2>Halebank School Receives Helping Hands Boost</h2> <h3>helping</h3> <h3>hands</h3>

We’re proud to have supported Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Primary School in Widnes with funding to enhance their outdoor play provision, following a successful application to our Helping Hands fund.&nbsp;

The school received £1,000 to help develop a new outdoor zone as part of its involvement in the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) programme.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our funding was used to purchase materials to build a large sandpit, including sand and wood for the foundations.&nbsp;

This new space encourages children to engage in creative, self-directed play, supporting both their physical and emotional development.&nbsp;

Clare Poulson, Teaching Assistant at the school&nbsp;said:&nbsp;“The funding from Halton Housing has helped us create a space where children can explore, play, and use their imagination every day.&nbsp;It’s already making a big difference to their playtimes.”&nbsp;

The project benefits children aged 4–11 from the local area and is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting young people and promoting community wellbeing across Halton.&nbsp;

Supporting initiatives like this is part of our Thriving Communities theme—one of five key priorities in our 3-year corporate plan, Our Future Focus: 2025–28. It’s all part of our purpose: Improving People’s Lives.&nbsp;

If you or someone you know is running a community project that could benefit from our Helping Hands support—whether it’s a youth club, a community garden, or a wellbeing initiative—we’d love to hear from you. Visit our Helping Hands webpage to learn more.&nbsp;
<h2>Outdoor Play Area Enhanced at Widnes School Thanks to Our Helping Hands Fund </h2> <h3>helping hands</h3> <h3>funding</h3>

We are delighted to announce we have been shortlisted for another&nbsp;innovation&nbsp;award!&nbsp;

Yeste evening,&nbsp;Housing Digital&nbsp;released the&nbsp;news that we have been&nbsp;shortlisted for the “Most innovative housing provider” award,&nbsp;at their Innovation Awards 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Innovation&nbsp;Awar aim to celebrate the most innovative products, services and technology&nbsp;that are&nbsp;reshaping UK housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether it’s&nbsp;in the area of&nbsp;decarbonisation, digital engagement, building safety,&nbsp;new methods of construction&nbsp;– the awards will&nbsp;celebrate the individuals and organisations who keep&nbsp;the housing&nbsp;sector facing firmly toward the future. &nbsp;

Our submission showcased the many exciting innovation projects&nbsp;we&nbsp;currently&nbsp;have&nbsp;und Halton Housing.&nbsp;

As an organisation, we pride ourselves on innovation.&nbsp;We are forward-thinking&nbsp;and continuously&nbsp;punch above our weight when it comes to a reputation for being at the forefront of digital and innovation in the social housing sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

One such&nbsp;example of a trailblazing innovation project we’re working on, is with ‘Spotr.ai’ - implementing technology to improve efficiencies and move to a more pre-emptive and planned repairs service.&nbsp;&nbsp; This project uses innovative computer vision techniques to deliver external stock condition surveys.&nbsp; Images from various public sources, such as Google Street View are assessed alongside images from private sources such as&nbsp;Cyclomedia&nbsp;and our own images database.&nbsp;

This is just one of the&nbsp;emerging technologies we are&nbsp;currently&nbsp;implementing.&nbsp;You can read more about our innovation work at&nbsp;www.haltonhousing.co.uk/about-us/innovatio a full list of shortlisted organisations&nbsp;for the Innovation Awards, visit&nbsp;https://housingdigital.co.uk/2022-short winners will be announced at the&nbsp;Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham on Thursday 10th February 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

…In the meantime, we’re keeping our fingers crossed!&nbsp;

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<h2>Halton Housing shortlisted for “Most innovative housing provider” award</h2> <h3>award</h3> <h3>innovation</h3> <h3>digital</h3> <h3>housing</h3>

We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded a Gold Award from the Halton Health Improvement Team for our 'Outstanding commitment to employee health and wellbeing' at the Workplace Health and Wellbeing Event, held at The Heath Conference Centre yesterday. The award is recognition of the ongoing dedication to creating a supportive, healthy, and productive work environment for colleagues.

The awards ceremony, which brought together local businesses and organisations, highlighted organisations that have gone above and beyond, in fostering a culture of wellbeing within the workplace.&nbsp;

Over recent months, we have been working towards this accreditation with the support of our Wellbeing Champions. Efforts include a wide range of initiatives designed to promote employee wellbeing, like flexible working arrangements, mental health support services, wellness programmes, staff training, wellbeing walks and a strong focus on maintaining work-life balance.

Our People team who picked up the award expressed pride and gratitude for the recognition. Tracy Fairclough said “We are thrilled to receive this gold award. &nbsp;It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, who continually strive to create a positive and supportive environment. We do our best to keep employee wellbeing at the heart of everything we do and this award will only push us on to keep doing more.”

A huge thank you to&nbsp;Halton Health Improvement Team and all of the speakers at yesterday's event. The People team walked a way with an award and lots of valuable knowledge to take back too.


Congratulations to the 8 local businesses who received their Halton Healthy Workplace Award this morning at the Health Improvement Team's event @theheathbuspark! Find out more about the awards and winners in this video: https://t.co/KmIfxDrlZF #healthyhalton pic.twitter.com/Ar5Jqdldal
— Halton Council (@HaltonBC) November 14, 2024


<h2>Halton Housing Goes for Gold</h2> <h3>award</h3> <h3>wellbeing</h3> <h3>colleagues</h3> <h3>team</h3> <h3>gold</h3>

Our Welfare Benefit and Money Advice team have been shortlisted for the ‘Debt Team of the Year Award’ at the Institute of Money Advisers (IMA) Money Advice Awards 2023.&nbsp;


Congratulations to the Debt Team of the Year Award finalists - @PoppyLegion, @WrekinHG, @CitAdviceBucks and @HaltonHousing. Thanks to category sponsor @PayPlan. See you on 8 June! #IMAConf23 https://t.co/ddnPaGdd0D pic.twitter.com/68L16zU86O
— The IMA (@InstituteMA) May 5, 2023


The IMA Money Advice Awards recognise excellence and innovation in the field of money advice, and are open to individuals, teams, projects and organisations working at a national, regional, or local level, anywhere in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Over the last 12 months, the team needed to think differently about how they reached out and provided support and guidance to help navigate the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ – looking beyond their normal offer. They did this by pooling their efforts into a ‘Reach Out’ campaign. This aimed to address affordable warmth and fuel poverty, by signposting customers to help. In doing so (through information sharing and events) they helped reduce debts, challenged unaffordable bills, maximised incomes and shouted about support available towards the cost of living.

Commenting on being shortlisted, Halton Housing Senior Welfare Benefit and Money Advice Officer, Amber Cairns said: “We’re thrilled to be nominated in this years’ awards. The teams have worked throughout this ongoing cost of living crisis to support our customers, and this is testament to the hard work and dedication despite their increased workload.”&nbsp;

The winners will be announced as part of the IMA’s annual conference in Birmingham on 8th June.&nbsp;

We would like to say a huge congratulations and well done to the team and have everything crossed for them at the awards.&nbsp;
<h2>Benefit and Money Advice team shortlisted for top industry award</h2> <h3>awards</h3> <h3>money</h3> <h3>advice</h3> <h3>team</h3>

Learning at Work Week 2022 kicked off today with this year’s theme ‘Learning Uncovered’.&nbsp;

Learning at Work Week is a unique annual event to build learning cultures at work. It aims to shine a spotlight on the importance and benefits of continual learning and development.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here at Halton Housing, we’re proud to promote a culture of continuous learning. From new starters to those who have been with us for months or years, all colleagues have the opportunity to develop or learn new skills.&nbsp;

Often, when we think of learning and development, we think of professional training courses and qualifications but there are so many other ways to learn.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Learning opportunities are in more places than many people realise – it could be job shadowing, mentoring, watching a 10-minute e-learning video, self-study, watching a Youtube tutorial, reading a book, listening to a podcast, speaking with other people, or networking.&nbsp;

Learning in all its forms has the power to not only develop new skills but boost our confidence too. So, to celebrate Learning at Work Week this year, and help our colleagues think differently about learning, our Organisational Development team have planned a week packed with activities for all colleagues to get involved in.&nbsp;

The activities will bring together colleagues from across the organisation to share their knowledge, passion and interests with their peers.&nbsp;

From the 16th – 20th May colleagues will be able to join in everything from PowerPoint and presentation skills sessions, to tiling, painting and decorating masterclasses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our environmental services team will also be sharing their hints and tips on getting the most out of our outdoor spaces during a number of planting and gardening classes.&nbsp;

With learning having the power to help us feel more motivated and even make us happier, why not try something new yourself? Or think about the skills you have. Someone, somewhere, could benefit from those skills. We all have the potential to be lifelong learners.&nbsp;

#HHCulture #LAWW&nbsp;
<h2>Every day is a school day </h2> <h3>Learning at Work Week 2022</h3> <h3>learning</h3> <h3>culture</h3>

Thanks to our Helping Hands initiative, local group, 'Comfort Dolls and Twiddles for People' which helps people with Dementia group has been awarded £250 in funding.

The group, which is in its 8th year, was established to address the lack of interventions and items that alleviate distress in people living with dementia. They create and supply comfort items such as dolls, zimmer bags, dignity aprons, twiddle mats, and other sensory aids. These items are reported to bring comfort, happiness, and a calming effect, while also encouraging communication and memories.

This funding will enable the group to continue their vital work of providing comfort items to individuals living with dementia, both locally and across the country.

Linda Watson, Vice Chair and founder said;&nbsp;“When I started this group it&nbsp;was because I saw a real need for comfort and support for people with dementia. This Helping Hands funding is so important to us. It will allow us to keep providing these essential items and continue to bring a little bit of joy and comfort into people's lives. The Helping Hands funding will be used to purchase essential materials such as wool, material, twiddle items, cotton, zips, and wadding, ensuring the continued production of these much-needed comfort items".

Thriving Communities is one of the 5 key themes in our 3-year corporate plan ‘Our Future Focus: 2025 - 28’ and supporting initiatives like this help us achieve our purpose of Improving People’s Lives.&nbsp;

If you or someone you know runs a community-based project that could benefit from financial support from the Helping Hands initiative, whether it’s a refurbishment of a scout hut, a kitchen makeover in a community centre, or a hospice garden in need of some TLC, we’re always on the lookout for worthy applications from the community. Visit the Helping Hands website page Helping Hands | Halton Housing.
<h2>Comfort Dolls and Twiddles Group Receives Helping Hands Funding</h2>