Ongo celebrates 12 months of change, growth and successes

Ongo is thanking its tenants, customers and colleagues for a year of highlights, fostering community growth and empowering individuals to make long lasting change.

The organisation, based in North Lincolnshire, has made significant strides in improving lives, creating vibrant neighborhoods and offering support to thousands of people.

Employment support has been given to 1,114 individuals, of these 429 were Ongo tenants and 167 people successfully transitioned into employment.

A total of 225 individuals accessed mental health support, way above the target set, due to high demand.

The team helped 1,629 tenants claim over £645k in additional benefits and grants, with an average income boost of £395 per tenant. Remarkably, this represents over 10% of Ongo’s properties.

Keys were handed over to 936 tenants and work on 145 new homes was completed, contributing to the expansion of Ongo’s housing stock.

A key highlight from these developments is the completion of 16 new homes at Ashtree Close, Belton. The regeneration of the estate is visibly taking shape, reflecting Ongo’s commitment to investing in their areas.

The promotion of shared ownership and rent to buy has continued, offering an affordable pathway for aspiring buyers. Hundreds more homes are currently under construction, promising even more options and opportunities.

Free events have been held in different areas, and at Ongo’s community hubs, The Arc in Scunthorpe and Viking Centre in Barton upon Humber.

These buildings offer a warm, safe and central hub for people, providing housing, financial and mental health support, free activities and meals, an affordable food pantry and more.

Ongo’s Community Grants project, now in its thirteenth year, has continued. This so far has provided vital funding to over 100 community-focused groups, totalling more than £130,000.

A key challenge facing the organisation over this time has been an increase in the reports of damp and mould and keeping up with the demand of repairs. This is something they have prioritised.

An action group was set up to review processes, look at why timescales are not consistently being met, listen to and implement feedback (especially around communication) and have better record-keeping.

So far this work is starting to show a positive impact and the services are beginning to get back to an acceptable level that Ongo strive to deliver, and that tenants and customers deserve.

One example is that the timescale repairs to heating systems in the summer months has changed to 24 hours instead of seven days, which is something tenants asked for.

Steve Hepworth, Chief Exec at Ongo said: “It’s been another positive year of growth and development, supporting people and having a genuine and positive impact on the lives of many, despite challenges along the way.

“I’d like to say a very personal and heartfelt thank you to our tenants, customers and my colleagues who make it possible to look back on the last 12 months with pride.

“We’ve now launched a new corporate plan which has three key objectives, to be a great landlord, have a customer focus and be aware of our growth and sustainability as an organisation. This sets our direction going forward and I’m excited to look back in another 12 months to see how far we’ve come.”

For more information, visit www.ongo.co.uk.