Giving a helping hand this Christmas

Oldham councillors, staff and their partners have been working in the run-up to Christmas to ensure the borough's residents are ready to enjoy the festive period. 

Council Leader Cllr Sean Fielding joined Oldham Cares staff helping to contact thousands of vulnerable and elderly people to make sure they’re safe and well ahead of Christmas.

The MioCare Group, a key player in the Oldham Cares alliance with various social care services operating across the borough, calls its Helpline and Response customers in the run-up to the festive period every year. 

The annual ring round started on Wednesday (December 18) and continues until Christmas Day. It will see various teams from the MioCare Group calling local vulnerable and older people who may not receive any other services or support.

Cllr Fielding said: “I enjoyed taking part in the Christmas ring around again this year. It was great to sit and work alongside our staff who are committed to making sure our most at-risk people do not feel alone in their homes as the holiday period approaches.”

The council say it is involved in several other projects this Christmas and New Year which aim to support the most in need people, especially those in need of a roof over their heads or food. These include:

• Working with the Manchester’s Bed Every Night and Real Change organisations
• Supporting Oldham foodbanks in the Town Centre, Shaw and Chadderton and publicizing opening times.
• Oldham Library opening its doors over the Christmas holiday period and offering food.
• Details of these, and other initiatives can be found on the Council websitewww.oldham.gov.uk/helpatchristmas

Councillors and staff have also been involved in several heart-warming schemes in the run- up to Christmas. These include.

• Staff providing food boxes that have been handed over to Oldham Foodbanks.
• Working with Oldham CCG and the Royal Alexandra Hospital to provide treats & sweets and pyjama sets for children.
• Oldham college - Christmas single stop the traffic - Council Leader Cllr Sean Fielding was involved with the Christmas single.

Cllr Fielding added: “It is really heart-warming to see how Oldham pulls together at Christmas to help people and put smiles on their faces.

“We also know winter weather and changes to public services can make it a challenging time for some of our residents. The Council, along with our partners, are there to help and support you as much as possible.

“I would like to encourage people to look out for their family, friends and neighbours over the festive period. There will be some changes to waste and recycling collections over Christmas, so make sure that you check if your collection has been changed and of course, please help us by recycling packaging and wrapping where possible.

“May I take this opportunity to wish all of our residents a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.”

Main image:

Amanda Robinson, June Rainford, Cllr Sean Fielding, Karl Dean and Cllr Louie Hamblett