Riverside making a difference in the community

4 Oct 2018 IN Riverside news

Residents on a Newcastle estate had the chance to get rid of unwanted items free of charge when an autumn clean-up day was held to make a difference in the community.

Local housing association Riverside teamed up with contractors Evolve and Building Futures East (BFE) to give tenants in the Church Walk estate a helping hand to make the neighbourhood a nicer and safer place to live.  

Riverside's housing officer Mark Nockles with partners on Newcastle clean up day.
Riverside’s housing officer Mark Nockles with partners on Newcastle clean up day.

 

The free service was available to Riverside tenants who took the opportunity to get rid of unwanted goods such as fridge freezers and televisions sets, rubbish and garden waste, as well as removing fly tipping and litter from the area.

Several gardens which had become overgrown were given a tidy up thanks to the help from BFE’s gardening team. Riverside residents were also entered in to a prize draw to win shopping vouchers.

Riverside staff were on hand to talk to neighbours about the many advice services available to them such as help with affordable warmth, money advice and employment and training. Neighbourhood wardens from Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police were also on hand to chat to locals and give advice.

The community day marked part of Riverside’s 90th birthday year of ‘Making a Difference’ in communities across the country.

Riverside Newcastle clean up day.

Mark Nockels, Riverside’s Newcastle Housing Officer, said: “It was great day and we were pleased to see lots of residents coming out to speak to us. My colleagues were on hand to talk about our additional advice services such as getting the best energy tariffs and switching easily between energy suppliers.

“Everyone worked really hard to tidy up the area and I hope the residents are pleased with the results. Events like this are only possible by working in partnership with other organisations, so a big thank you to everyone who took part to make a difference.

“This clean-up is just one of many community events that Riverside are taking part in across the country to mark our 90th birthday year of ‘Making a Difference’. Please get in touch with your local housing officer so we can make a difference where you live.”