Published: Thursday, 22nd February 2024
Residents in Oldham are getting help to cope with mental health, housing issues, and money matters closer to home thanks to a new initiative from Oldham Council and its partners.
The authority’s Residents’ First pledge means staff from Tameside, Oldham and Glossop (TOG) MIND, Citizen’s Advice Bureau and the council will be on hand to help at buildings across the borough to improve the lives of local people.
Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, who was speaking at an open day at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre yesterday (Wednesday, 21 February), to promote the new partnership working, said: “We’ve come together with our partners to deliver services to make sure our residents get the support they need locally.
“It’s about helping people with their specific needs in each district whether it’s people struggling to manage their money, mental health or need advice on housing issues. It’s about getting the right help to those who need it on their doorstep.”
Stilyana Massey, Access and Crisis Project Manager for TOG MIND, said: “I feel really privileged to provide support to people closer to them. Previously some residents struggled to get the support they needed due to the location being far or not suitable. I love the fact we can be close to people to allow them to get the support they need within the local community and to make connections with other organisations.”
Jonathan Yates, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice in Stockport Oldham Rochdale and Trafford, said: "Citizens Advice Oldham is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in Oldham can easily access advice tailored to their needs. Through our network of community partnerships established across the borough, we can support more people in need of face-to-face assistance. Our partnerships enable us to benefit from our combined knowledge, strengths and resources, to enhance the effectiveness of our services."
Offering support and services closer to home runs parallel to the council’s push to provide services digitally with many services available to access online with the council and partner websites.
Support is now available at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre, Neon Community Centre and continues at Access Oldham in the town centre, following on from the success of Failsworth Town Hall in 2023.
Royton Town Hall is due to reopen following extensive refurbishment in Summer 2024.
Staff are also on hand in each library and Access Oldham customer support centre, to help connect you with support and services.
Councillor Abdul Jabbar, MBE, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Resources said: “We are determined to help our residents access services on a variety of platforms whether in person or online. If anyone is struggling to get online staff are on hand to help across the library network and Access Oldham.”
For more information on services available in each of the five districts centres, visit the council website or visit your local library or Access Oldham.