On Tuesday 30th September, the Longridge Estate came alive with energy, teamwork and community spirit as over 20 colleagues from Great Places gathered for our very first TOinC Day – Time Out in Communities. Under bright skies and a shared sense of purpose, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into transforming the spaces that matter most to our customers.
From 10:00am to 12:30pm, teams focused on tidying up Gaskell Rise, Egerton House and Mallory Point, with some even venturing beyond to other blocks thanks to the great turnout. Roadside areas were cleared, communal gardens refreshed and bike sheds decluttered, all with the goal of creating a cleaner, safer and more welcoming environment for our customers.
The atmosphere was fantastic, with new starters working side-by-side with long-time colleagues from many different departments, building connections while making a visible impact. Neighbours popped by to say hello, offer thanks, and cheer us on, a nice reminder of why these days matter.
Skips placed on Longridge were quickly filled with bulky items, and the bike sheds saw a much-needed refresh. The team was careful to preserve any labelled belongings, ensuring the tidy-up was respectful and thoughtful.
On the event on Longridge, Sarah Thornber, Colleague Experience & Inclusion Coordinator at Great Places, commented:
“TOinC Day at Longridge was a brilliant example of what happens when we come together with purpose. The energy, teamwork and genuine care shown by colleagues made a real difference to the community – and to each other. It’s exciting to see our values come to life in such a meaningful way.”
This first TOinC Day was more than just a clean-up – it was a celebration of what we can achieve together. It marked the beginning of a new initiative that brings our values to life in the communities we serve, and we believe to be off to a brilliant start.
