The local community gathered together with litter pickers and bin bags in hand last week for a significant community clean-up day across Tameside
Jigsaw Homes orchestrated the event as part of their company wide ‘Give Something Back’ days that aim to create a positive social impact within their communities.
Around 40 people attended the clean-up day on Thursday 20th June, including colleagues from Jigsaw Homes, year 6 pupils from Holy Trinity Primary School, Cllr Khaleel Khan and staff from Tameside Council, Leap, Regenda and Ashton Pioneer Homes.
The teams each cleared up litter and fly tipped rubbish from the surrounding area and managed to fill two 20-yard skips and four caged vans with waste, with over 20 bin bags filled with rubbish by the end of the day.
They also helped local residents remove rubbish and unwanted furniture from their homes and repainted surrounding fence panels.
Jigsaw’s Neighbourhood Engagement Team discussed the importance of recycling with residents and the appropriate ways to use wheelie bins without causing issues in their neighbourhoods.
This was one of the first ‘Give Something Back’ days that Jigsaw Homes have organised to help improve their communities and create a sense of pride within their neighbourhoods. They have several more taking place throughout the year.
Sue Cox, Assistant Director of Neighbourhoods at Jigsaw Homes Group, said, “The community clean up day was an opportunity for Jigsaw Homes to work alongside partners and volunteers to make a positive impact on the neighbourhood. The day proved very successful, with us cleaning up a number of streets in the St Peter’s area through litter picking, providing skips for residents and collecting bulk refuse.”
At Beatrix House, Jigsaw’s Extra Care scheme, and Hunters Court in Dukinfield, Jigsaw Homes colleagues each worked to improve the garden for residents living at each property.
They helped to install a border fence on the lawn, weeded the area and added stones for decoration. Jigsaw’s Hit Squad team also cut back and cleared a large overgrown planting area and added fresh bark to make the area look attractive and refreshed.
This work followed a consultation with residents around what was needed to improve the garden space.
Maureen Higgins, resident and chair of the resident’s association said, “It was wonderful to have such willing helping hands today, the work completed looks amazing. As many of the resident’s here struggle with mobility and their general health, it is really appreciated. Jigsaw listened and what has been achieved in one day is outstanding. A big well done to all the staff who worked hard today. We enjoy socialising indoors and outside and this has made a big difference”.
Jigsaw’s Hit Squad have also planned to create a new stone path leading to the resident’s greenhouse so it is accessible for everyone, enabling residents to continue growing flowers and plants for their gardens.
