Power to the People!

The Knit & Chat group provide a free, weekly wellbeing group at the NEON Hub for up to 12 local residents. Sessions offer an ideal opportunity to get together with like-minded people, enjoy a good chat over a coffee or tea, and take part in knitting, crocheting, jigsaws, crafting and more—all in a relaxed and welcoming environment. 

Our group is designed to support older adults, carers, people living alone, and anyone experiencing loneliness, low mood, or anxiety. Activities are low-pressure, enjoyable and accessible to all ability levels, encouraging social connection, creativity and emotional wellbeing. 

Many people cannot afford paid Knitting, crafting or sewing classes, lack equipment such as sewing machines, or face barriers to travelling to larger venues. 

Loneliness and low-level mental health concerns are common in our local area. By us offering knitting, craft and jigsaw activities it provides a calm, sociable environment that encourages participation, builds confidence and supports practical life skills. 

Our group reduces social isolation and creates an increased sense of connection, improved mood, self-confidence and engagement in community life. 

We are seeking funding to provide a year’s worth of free mum & baby yoga classes for local parents and their babies. The sessions are designed to support physical recovery after childbirth, enhance emotional wellbeing, and provide a safe, welcoming space for connection and community. 

Sessions help parents regain strength, manage health conditions and stress, and improve overall wellbeing while fostering social support networks among families in the area. It’s also fun!  

This project directly benefits new parents in Saddleworth, particularly those who may face financial or social barriers to accessing wellness activities. Babies also benefit from early positive interactions in a calm, nurturing environment. The wider community gains stronger social cohesion, healthier families, and improved mental health for parents, contributing to long-term wellbeing in Saddleworth. 

The funding will allow us to provide an invaluable service to Carers and those they care for, especially people with dementia and memory problems. We are a self funding group and rely on donations and the generosity of the local authority and community. We provide tea, coffee and a hot lunch. The group started 16 years ago and funding is needed all year. We meet twice a month and benefits Carers and those they care for. 

We provide support and help with entitlements e.g. attendance allowance, blue badge applications and a comfortable atmosphere to meet, exchange news and make new friends. The second biggest problem for carers is isolation which only gets worse in parallel with their partners condition. 

If we received a larger amount of funding we could continue with our fun activities such as days out  and theatre visits. 

Veg in the Park C.I.C. began as a grassroots initiative aimed at fostering a love for gardening within the Oldham community. Our mission is to empower individuals by teaching sustainable horticultural practices, encouraging community engagement, and promoting environmental stewardship. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a vibrant community hub where volunteers of all ages come together to learn, share, and cultivate both plants and friendships. 

We are seeking funding to replace our sleeper growing beds, and any extra will fund our fruit and vegetable production for the upcoming year, including the procurement of compost, seeds, plugs/flowers and other gardening consumables and equipment. 

Gardening and horticulture play a crucial role in bringing people together, creating bonds that transcend age and background. At Veg in the Park C.I.C., "we believe that nurturing plants also nurtures relationships".