With the help of generous local people and businesses we have been able to fund more than 100 community projects in the last five years, distributing over £465,000.
Our grants give vital support to the smaller, local groups who are enhancing health and well- being on our doorsteps or rebuilding lives affected by poverty, crime, isolation or unemployment in our own neighbourhoods.
Together we are transforming Oldham!
Here are just a few of the community organisations that Action Oldham Fund has supported and funded:
Pennine Mencap
The Action Oldham Fund awarded £10,000 to Pennine Mencap, an Oldham-based independent charity which provides creative, social and educational activities for adults with learning disabilities, Autism, Asperger’s and related health conditions.
The grant has enabled new boards, lighting and a lick of paint to be bought to refurbish a drama studio, so all are ready for the production of “An Inspector Calls”. The funding also has transformed a dark empty shell into a community kitchen at their base within Rhodes Bank Chambers.
These changes are helping the charity to provide more activities which enhance skills and also enable adults with learning disabilities to make long term improvements in their lives. In addition, this will generate sustainable income for the charity going forward through hire of the studio to other local groups. Clare Jepson, Service Manager, said:
"We are grateful to receive this funding, it has made such a difference for those we support. They feel proud of the new space, and more engaged and comfortable and ready to launch into the theatre production."
Keeping Our Girls Safe (KOGS)
We awarded KOGS a grant of £10,000 to run a series of preventative workshops exploring sensitive subjects and promoting positive life choices. Using art, dance, film and photography, workshops were informative and interactive which made them real and current for young people. Topics included grooming, sexual exploitation, healthy relationships, domestic violence, self-awareness, self-esteem and confidence.
They helped Zara, whose chaotic home environment left her vulnerable to trusting online and other controlling relationships. Attending the drama workshops helped Zara to distinguish healthy relationships from those where she was at danger of exploitation. Her low self-esteem and negative self image were powerfully changed and she went on to produce and perform a play warning of the dangers of child sexual exploitation for other teenagers.
Friends of Bright Futures School
Friends of Bright Futures School, the PTA of a school for children with autism in Grasscroft, received an Action Oldham Fund grant of £867. The aim was to develop their children’s skills in a fun, exciting way, through providing riding/therapy sessions for six pupils.
Pupils took part in horse therapy lessons at Dicky Steps Centre, which is experienced in supporting children with autism. Ros Hayes, Learning Mentor, said:
"It was lovely to see the children bond with the horses and to experience the success of learning the basics of horse-riding. It clearly gave them feelings of competence and enjoyment as well as helping with their balance and physical co-ordination. They loved it!"
Zoe Thompson, head of development at Bright Futures School, said:
"I feel very proud of what we have achieved at Bright Futures School. Our staff team is excellent, it is a very happy, enjoyable and rewarding place to work and the pupils are a pleasure to be with - they are bright, funny, hard-working and lovable. It is a pleasure to help them to grow and develop."
Chadderton Cerebral Palsy Football Team
Funding was provided at the start of this project and it became the first club in the North West to provide substantial opportunities for children with cerebral palsy to play and enjoy football. The game is played with modified rules making it fairer for players with a disability. Each child develops skills, grows in confidence and has fun within a safe team environment.Wayne Starkey, proud dad, said:
"It’s such a joy to watch the children fulfil their dreams of playing football in a friendly and unbiased environment with fantastic and passionate coaches. Myles talks about Chaddy Park all the time. He loves playing for you guys and as his dad it makes me feel so proud to watch him play and the chats we have at bedtime about the game makes me so happy. Thank you so much!"