Let's Get Oldham Talking

Oldham Council has launched a campaign called 'Let's Get Oldham Talking' to encourage children and young people to develop their communication skills.

The council has commissioned the children's communications charity I CAN to deliver the public awareness campaign, to promote the importance of language and talking more to each other. 

The campaign gets under way today (Monday, March 2). 

‘Let’s Get Oldham Talking’ will be branded across buses, bus stops and poster sites across the borough, targeting children and young people, parents, educators and employers.

The campaign will signpost the public to information and support about how important oracy (speaking and listening) is to increasing education, employment and future life opportunities.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Lead for Children’s Services, said: "Without good communication skills, children and young people are likely to encounter challenges at school or when they enter the world of work and that’s why we’ve launched ‘Let’s Get Oldham Talking’.

"Improving speech and language is a top priority in Oldham and engaging with the public is central to achieving this. One of the key messages behind this campaign is that a wide vocabulary is very important, and these awareness raising posters are designed to encourage the whole community to play their part to help the people of Oldham to retain these vital communication skills." 

Carol Payne, from the charity I CAN, said: "We’re delighted to be working with Oldham Council to launch ‘Let’s Get Oldham Talking’ so that children and young people can reach their amazing potential.

"At I CAN, we often hear from people that that there is no clear message about the importance of speech, language and communication and we want to change this through actively engaging with professionals and the public." 

For more information, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/letsgetoldhamtalking and follow @OldhamTalks and #LetsGetOldhamTalking on social media.