Free sessions aimed at helping parents entertain their children and combat social isolation are launching in Oldham, thanks to funding from housing association First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO). The Baby Boogies events will run at two community venues over the coming months, offering singing, dancing and play activities for families with young children.

The sessions, funded by a £5,000 grant from FCHO to the social enterprise Spark Oldham, are open to children under five alongside their mums, dads, grandparents and carers. They take place on Mondays from 12.30pm to 1.30pm at the Spring Meadows Family Hub in Littlemoor, and on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at the Crossley Centre in Chadderton.

FCHO head of community services Ben Thomas said the initiative was designed to support parents, many of whom are FCHO customers, by creating spaces where they can socialise their children and meet other families. “It’s a good way to tackle social isolation, bring communities together and give support,” he said. “Baby Boogies is now funded for an initial 13 weeks after it started last month. It is another way in which FCHO is strengthening our communities in its role as an anchor organisation here in Oldham and the surrounding area.”

Community manager at Spark Oldham Amy Brierley added that the sessions were about more than just play. “Baby Boogies is all about bringing families together through music, movement and fun,” she said. “We're really thankful for the support from FCHO for funding the sessions and helping us to create spaces where people can connect. Early years is such an important stage of development and the sessions give children a fun, engaging space to build confidence, develop social skills and support language development.”

Both venues are well-known locally for their community work. The Crossley Centre serves the Chadderton area, while Spring Meadows Family Hub is a key resource for families in Littlemoor and surrounding neighbourhoods. By providing regular, free activities, the organisers hope to ease the pressures on parents and carers while giving children a positive start in their early years.

The move reflects FCHO’s broader commitment to investing in local communities, alongside its housing services. As an anchor organisation in Oldham, the association has a track record of supporting grassroots projects that tackle isolation and build social ties. For families in Chadderton and Littlemoor, the new funding means a reliable weekly activity where they can relax, play and share experiences with others.

Anyone interested in attending can simply turn up to the relevant session, with no booking required. The organisers encourage parents and carers to bring their children along and enjoy the music and movement together, helping to build connections within the community one song and dance at a time.