Strengthening Social Value
Making a difference to the communities we serve is of prime importance to MCP. We’ve been out and about, talking to residents and are pleased to provide a roundup of our recent social value initiatives:
Outside Spaces for Sovereign Network Group (SNG)
In November 2024, operatives Ian and Robert visited SNG’s Waterside Court sheltered housing scheme in London to give the accommodation’s garden space a fresh look involving:
· Jet washing and cleaning communal gardening spaces.
· Cutting back overgrown plants.
· Weeding and sweeping the garage area.
The residents are looking forward to enjoying the gardens again when spring arrives.
Our second visit in January was to SNG’s New River Court sheltered housing scheme for residents aged over 55. Stephen, one of our operatives, visited the Ware site and assembled two, four-seater benches for residents to enjoy in the communal gardens.
Welcoming Space at Smethwick Library
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (MBC) opens all its libraries as Welcoming Spaces. A Welcoming Space is a place where residents can stay warm, socialise with others and participate in free activities. It also enables residents to be put in touch with other Sandwell MBC services that may be able to help them.
The Welcoming Space at Smethwick library is open seven days each week for readers to enjoy tea and coffee in a warm, friendly space. MCP donated 12 mugs to this great initiative so even more people can enjoy a warm drink at Smethwick library.
Sandwell Christmas Toy Appeal
Sandwell MBC hosted a thank-you event for all those who donated toys to its Christmas Toy Appeal 2024. Our supervisor, Andrzej, manages our work with Sandwell MBC and was delighted to attend the event.
The recent Christmas Toy Appeal was the most successful yet, with over 4,000 gifts donated by social value contract partners and local businesses and organisations. The donations were collected in time for Sandwell Children’s Trust to distribute them throughout the borough, ensuring local children and young people experienced the magic of Christmas.
Barnet Group Community Awards
MCP’s Planners, Jess and Teddy attended the Barnet Group Community Awards 2024 gala event on 6th February 2025. MCP was a joint sponsor of the awards.
We were delighted to be a nominated finalist for the Contractor Social Value & Customer Service award. Nominations were submitted by Barnet Homes and Opendoor Homes residents, staff and voluntary and community partners from across Barnet who wanted to acknowledge those who have made a positive impact in their communities. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!
