Cobalt Housing

We are delighted to have secured £4.2 million through the Government’s Warm Homes Social Housing Funding.  Over the coming years, we will invest £110 million into our existing homes to ensure that all properties will achieve an EPC C rating by 2030, reducing fuel bills for customers and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/epqZHy6V

We're proud to be part of this joint submission alongside housing partners from across the country. We need long-term investment in housing to deliver affordable homes to our communities.   

We’re better together and we were delighted to team up with Councillor Anthony Lavelle from Liverpool City Council and pupils and teachers from Our Lady and St Swithin's Catholic Primary School and Croxteth Community Primary School to carry out a litter pick of our local community garden. A big thank you to Liverpool City Council for partnering with us to provide skips for local residents to dispose of bulky items. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/evmuB42S #croxteth #communitycleanup

In response to the Dangerous Dogs Act and the Renters Reform Bill, we’re working with Merseyside Dog Safety Partnership (MDSP) to create a new Pet Policy, to keep people and pets safe in our communities.     As the only social housing provider who is a member of the MDSP, our Pet Policy will explain to customers what responsible dog ownership is and what we expect from all pet owners in our communities.     Read more about this (and how a visit to Crufts has helped shape our policy) here: https://lnkd.in/ew5qF6qe #pets #dogsafety

Inspiring entrepreneurs were encouraged to learn, connect and network with each other at a ‘Business Breakfast’ event in our Community Hub. A big thank you to the Business Support Service in Liverpool at Liverpool City Council, along with Early Years - the organisation for young children for providing full funding support for new and existing business owners across the region. Rona Heron, our Community Hub Lead said, “We’re proud to be able to host the Business Breakfast in the heart of Croxteth, in our Community Hub. This provides a relaxed and welcoming setting for people to meet our friendly teams, chat with others and embrace their business potential.”

We are committed to building 1,000 new homes over the next 8 years. A long-term funding agreement would provide greater certainty for our ambitious investment programmes, including upgrades to existing stock, development and regeneration. Social housing providers like Cobalt have demonstrated what a longer-term commitment to estate regeneration can achieve, with projects such as Stonedale delivering transformational change for the community, which goes beyond the bricks and mortar. We see devolution as a real opportunity to align strategic priorities with the needs of our local communities and we look forward to the journey with the City Region and our Partners. 

We commissioned a piece of artwork that demonstrated our history, vision, corporate priorities and customer voice. Sounds like a tall order but not for incredibly talented local artist and Cobalt customer, Sarah Gustafsson! The wall art was unveiled in our Customer Hub recently and is on display for everyone to see. Rona Heron, Community Hub Lead said, “We’re so grateful to Sarah for creating this amazing wall art for us. Not only is Sarah one of our customers she's also a valuable stakeholder. Her artwork represents a powerful reminder of everything Cobalt stands for and the essential work we’re doing to support the people in our communities." Read more here: https://buff.ly/pvv9O24

Our partnership with Positive Footprints has created over £103,896 in social value for our communities, impacting over 15 schools and 675 children and young people in 2023/24!    “I’ve loved today learning about lots of different types of jobs. I’ve learned a lot and I want to do a job that lets me help people,” said Harper, a local school child at last week's event at Fazakerley Primary School. Our colleagues and partners from Positive Footprints, Ecogee UK, Brabners and more attended the Career Carousel to talk to young people about their career, sharing their passion for their work. The careers event was focused around the four key priorities in our Corporate Plan and our shared belief in investing in children’s future. “We’ve worked with Positive Footprints for over five years and see the impact that the programme can make in raising the aspirations of children living in our communities,” said our CEO, Claire Griffiths. “We are proud of what the children of Fazakerley Primary School have achieved and how their self-confidence and ambition has grown.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gFySb9TA

Cobalt’s Community Hub offers a wide range of sessions and activities, from drama workshops to financial advice, brekkie and a brew to digital skills. Communities Together Choir use the space to rehearse, and they’ve shared a wonderful video about how singing has changed their lives for the better... “...You sit behind your front door and you think you’re on your own but you’re not on your own in this community. We’re growing together.”  “It’s such a mood-lifter. I bounce out of here on a Tuesday. We have a chat and a sing. We all look out for one another. When you come in here you feel safe and loved,” said Jane. We’ve provided over £4,000 in funding for the Communities Together Choir. It’s incredible to see it going from strength to strength. 

Following our assessment, we are delighted to have retained our Investors in People Silver accreditation for the second consecutive year! Colleagues told us that together, we live and demonstrate our values and that we make a real difference in our communities. We value the importance of feedback and empower our colleagues. Feedback from our IIP assessment stated: “The culture is collaborative and service-centric, with internal and external relationships grounded in the values of Putting People First, Taking Responsibility, Better Together and Moving Forward. Your ethos and values lead the way in everything you do, and it’s something your people really connect with.” Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/ejvt_med