Why Ongo should be on your list for a study visit
5 March 2026
Whether your focus is regeneration, community investment, support services or simply understanding how a place-based organisation truly lives its values, this visit offers something meaningful and inspiring
As someone that grew up in an Ongo community and for the last 10 years, has proudly worked for them, I know the difference Ongo truly makes. That’s why I’m so pleased Placeshapers members are invited to see this too, as part of a study visit in Scunthorpe on Wednesday 22 April.
It’s an opportunity to spend time with our teams, hear real stories and experience the community spirit and long-term impact we are so proud of creating. For us it’s about hope, opportunity, stability, and creating places where people genuinely want to live and be part of, and we’d love you to see that for yourself.
My job gives me the privilege of telling powerful stories every day, of people given a chance, of neighbourhoods transformed, and of communities rebuilt through hard work and investment. From clubs and events that give young people safe spaces, mentors, and role models, to free meals supporting families who need it most and free matchday tickets for those who otherwise could not afford days out.
There’s also employment and training opportunities, mental health counselling, and major regeneration projects where millions of pounds are put back into local communities and homes.
These services change lives. For many people here they are the difference between struggling alone to feeling supported, connected, and hopeful about the future.
Westcliff will always be the most personal example for me. Of everything we’ve delivered in recent years, it’s the one I’ve seen the most impact from. I grew up there. Some of my family still live there. I know what the area was, and what it is today.
After a huge £9 million transformation, it has completely changed the way people live and feel about their neighbourhood. The full project completed in late 2019, but its impact continues year on year.
It includes 41 new homes and a community hub, The Arc. It’s a vibrant, welcoming space designed with the community, for the community. What makes it truly special are the countless examples of life changing and sometimes saving support, how it brings all ages together and the connections built with Ongo colleagues, partners like the Police and most of all each other.
During your visit, you’ll experience first-hand how our mentoring, employment advice, training and personal development programmes help people build skills, grow in confidence and get back into work. You’ll see how Ongo Recruitment operates as a true social enterprise, reinvesting profits to create opportunities for local people and strengthen businesses across the area.
We’ll show you our unique approach to combining housing and sport, including partnerships that give more than 1,500 tenants free access to live matches.
You’ll also hear about how we value and truly listen to our tenants, engaging with them throughout all we do and involving them in decision making.
The day will give you chance to connect with other Placeshapers members, meet the team’s leading this work, explore the spaces where change is happening, hear stories from people who have benefitted, understand the thinking and partnerships behind the scenes, and leave with practical examples you can apply within your own organisation.
Whether your focus is regeneration, community investment, support services or simply understanding how a place-based organisation truly lives its values, this visit offers something meaningful and inspiring.
We hope to see you and can’t wait to show you the difference we’re making.