Oldham Council has launched a new advice service designed to help residents deal with problems before they escalate into a crisis. The move comes as the local authority makes temporary changes to its services during the coronavirus outbreak, ensuring that advice and support continue to reach those who need it most.

Council leaders say the health and wellbeing of residents remain the top priority. In a statement, the authority explained: "The health and wellbeing of all our residents is a priority for Oldham Council. That's why you will see temporary changes to services." The new advice service is part of these adjustments, with a focus on early intervention and preventing small issues from becoming emergencies.

The service aims to provide residents with easy access to guidance on a range of issues, including benefits, housing, debt, and other common concerns. By helping people seek advice sooner, the council hopes to reduce the number of households reaching a crisis point, particularly during the ongoing pandemic when many families are facing increased pressure.

Oldham residents can expect to find information on the service through the council's website and local community channels. The temporary changes have been designed to maintain high levels of support while adapting to current restrictions and safety measures.

Community leaders have welcomed the initiative, noting that many residents have been struggling with the economic and social effects of the pandemic. The new service is seen as a practical step to connect people with help before their problems become more serious and harder to resolve.

Council officials stress that the temporary changes will not reduce the quality of support available. Instead, they are intended to make sure that advice services remain accessible during a challenging time. The launch of the early-intervention advice service is one of several measures being introduced to safeguard residents' wellbeing.

Further details on how to access the new service and the full range of support on offer will be announced by Oldham Council in the coming days. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on official council communications for updates.