The Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Programme is a GMCA‑funded initiative supporting residents who are economically inactive, including those with significant health conditions and other barriers, to move closer to and into work. The programme strengthens local collaboration, tests new ways of identifying and engaging people furthest from the labour market, and helps shape long‑term reform of Greater Manchester’s work, health and skills system.
In Oldham, the programme is delivered by Get Oldham Working and Action Together in partnership with Oldham Active (OCL) and local VCFSE organisations, providing community‑based support tailored to the needs and aspirations of local residents.
See below for details of each organisation, their offer and activities through the programme, and how individuals can access this support.
Action Together Social Prescribing
Oldham Social Prescribing connects you to community groups, activities and organisations that could support you to improve your health, wellbeing and social connections.
Referral Method: By phone: 0161 339 2345, then Option 1 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm)
By email: gmicb-old.socialprescribing@nhs.net
Or, by completing our self-referral form
Action Together Volunteering
Volunteer Hub
Activities: Our Volunteering team can provide 1:1 support to those who would like to find a volunteering opportunity.
Support can be provided in-person, at our Hubs, or over the phone or via email.
Upcoming Hub Dates: view our Volunteering page
Contact Information: Volunteer team | P: 0161 339 2345 E: volunteering@actiontogether.org.uk
Referral Method: Via phone or email
Chadderton Together
Project: Moving Forward Together
District: West (Chadderton and Werneth)
Activities: Volunteering opportunities in Lydia's tearoom and surrounding Foxdenton park area i.e. customer service, events etc. Alongside a volunteer peer mentor / support programme.
Date: Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 2:30pm
Location: Lydia's Tearoom, Foxdenton Park, Foxdenton Lane, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9QS
Contact Information: Graham Taylor | P: 07722802758 E: grahamtaylor7@gmail.com
Referral Method: Email
Get Oldham Working & Oldham Active
- ESOL / English language support
- Digital Inclusion support
- Employment and Interview support
- Transport support
- Support through Oldham Active
This support requires a referral/ booking.
Location: FCHO Building, OL1 1BE
Contact Information: P: 0161770 4674 E: getoldhamworking@oldhamgov.uk
Referral Method: Via phone or email
Girls with Pride and Dignity
Project: Empowering Young Adults
District: North (Royton, Shaw and Crompton)
Activities: Volunteering opportunities over 13 weeks to support essential life skills and improve mental health(incl. 2 coaching sessions / month). Mix of online and in person sessions.
Date:
- Monday and Thursday, 2pm - 5pm, in person
- Friday, 6pm - 7pm, via zoom
Locations: 75 Crete street, OL8 1PQ and Bethel Church, Waterloo street, 0L4 1EQ
Contact Information: Kana Josee Bizimana | P: 07438113525E: girlswithprideanddignity@gmail.com
Referral Method: Email or WhatsApp
Greenacres Community Assoc
Project: The Icing On The Cake
District: East (Saddleworth, Lees, St James and Waterhead)
Activities: A focused cooking / baking into employment offer incl. accredited training opportunities. Alongside employability support i.e. CV building, job search, interview prep.
Date: Information pending
Location: Greenacres Community Centre, Galland Street, Greenacres, Oldham, OL4 3EU
Contact Information: Steph Gill | P: 0161 652 0095 E: greencommcentre@msn.com
Referral Method: Call 0161 652 0095 or text/WhatsApp 07790 753931
Booking required
Local Food First CIC
Project: Wildbrook Roots to Work
District: South (Failsworth, Hollinwood and Medlock Vale)
Activities: Employability support including CV building, practical skills training i.e. digital literacy, customer service, event organising. Alongside a volunteering offer to put learning into practice.
Date: Mid February 2026 (Taster Event : Friday 13th February 1 -3 pm)
Location: Wildbrook Community Food and Growing Hub, Fitton Hill, OL8 2NT
Contact Information: Dave and Lina | P: 07536996166 E: CONTACT@LOCALFOODFIRST.ORG.UK
Referral Method: Via phone or email
Mahdlo Youth Zone
Project: Future Ready: Volunteering to Careers
District: Boroughwide Central (Alexandra, Coldhurst and St Mary’s)
Activities: Young Leaders Programme aimed at students; a volunteering programme providing an introduction to Youth Work through training and supporting delivery of activities.
Date: Monthly Activities
Location: Mahdlo Youth Zone, Sir Normal Stoller Way, Oldham, OL1 3SE
Contact Information: Kathryn Bardsley | P: 0161 624 0111 E: kathryn.bardsley@mahdloyz.org
Referral Method: Email
Oldham Club Hero
Project: Empowering BAME Women
District: Central (Alexandra, Coldhurst and St Mary’s)
Activities: Culturally appropriate employability support (BAME women) incl. Individual assessments, vocational training, financial literacy and digital skills workshops, mentoring.
Date: Information pending
Location: Information pending
Contact Information: Information pending
Referral Method: Information pending
Oldham Inspiring Youth
Project: Volunteers to Work Oldham Pathways
District: Boroughwide Central (Alexandra, Coldhurst and St Mary’s)
Activities: Volunteering opportunities supporting community activities in addition to tailored employability support. Weekday / weekend sessions over 18 weeks.
Date: Opportunities available throughout the week/ weekend
Drop-Ins Welcome
Locations:
- OBA Millennium Cultural Centre
- Sholver and Moorside Community Centre
- Oldham Sports Complex
Contact Information: Shaf | P: 07784 802186 E: Betteractiveoldham@gmail.com
Referral Method: Complete this form
Oldham Play Action Group
Project: Play Days To Pay Days
District: East (Saddleworth, Lees, St James and Waterhead)
Activities: A focused playwork into employment offer, aiming to equip individuals with the skills for delivering play and children’s activities i.e. training / theory and supporting sessional work.
Date: First course will run Wednesdays throughout February and March with practical group tasks running into April. Course times 10:30 am - 1pm. Practical tasks including organising and delivering events, times and dates will be agreed with the group members.
Location: Greenacres Community Centre, Galland Street, Greenacres, Oldham, OL4 3EU
Contact Information: Steph Gill | P: 0161 678 9662 E: playactiongroup@hotmail.com
Referral Method: Call 0161 678 9662, text or whatsapp on 07790 753931
Booking required
Pennine Mencap
Project: Purpose and Empowerment
District: Boroughwide Central (Alexandra, Coldhurst and St Mary’s)
Activities: Employability support for adults with disabilities, focusing on rebuilding confidence, and developing skills / experience through a range of activities and workshop i.e. volunteering pathway, face-to-face training, mentoring, and online learning opportunities.
Date: Information pending
Location: Information pending
Contact Information: Information pending
Referral Method: Information pending
SAWN
Project: Okukola obulungi (Working Well)
District: Boroughwide - West (Chadderton and Werneth)
Activities: Culturally appropriate employability support (predominantly black African women) focusing on rebuilding confidence, and developing skills / experience through a range of activities and workshops.
Date: Information pending
Location: Information pending
Contact Information: Information pending
Referral Method: Information pending
Booking required
Spark Oldham CIC
Project: Find your SPARK
District: South (Failsworth, Hollinwood and Medlock Vale)
Activities: Participant-led series of short courses focused around improving employability i.e. confidence building, digital skills, CV workshops. Alongside a volunteering offer to put learning into practice.
Date: Information pending
Location: 1-5 Tan Hill Lane, Fitton Hill, Oldham, OL8 2QL
The Brew, Fitton Hill Shopping Precinct, OL8 2QP
Contact Information: Amy Brierley | P: 07879 468 845 E: amy@sparkoldham.co.uk
Referral Method: Via phone
Booking required
Yuvanis Foundation
Project: Culturally Responsive Employment Pathways
District: North (Royton, Shaw and Crompton) & West (Chadderton and Werneth)
Activities: Culturally appropriate employability support (BAME community) focusing on rebuilding confidence, and developing skills / experience through a range of activities and workshops i.e. CV writing, interview prep, peer mentoring.
Date: Ongoing throughout Dec 25 - April 2026
Dates and times are updated regularly on Yuvanis.org/whatson
Location: Yuvanis Foundation, Middleton Road, Oldham, OL9 6JN
Contact Information: Sadique Hussain | P: 07709842266 E: sadique.hussain@yuvanis.org
Referral Method: Via website, phone or email
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the services listed above or want to speak to our team, email Josie below
