The Mayor of Oldham has praised the Salvation Army for the "real difference" it makes in supporting local people as many continue to face high food prices and rising household bills.

Councillor Eddie Moores and the Mayoress Kath Moores visited the Salvation Army's church and community centre on Roundthorn Road to see first-hand the wide range of services on offer to residents of Oldham.

During the visit, the Mayor learned about the charity's Employment Plus service, which helps jobseekers find work. He also saw the outreach work through the food bank and the Lighthouse Project, a weekly drop-in that provides a hot meal, showering facilities, and signposting for people in times of crisis.

Cllr Moores spent time speaking with drop-in clients, volunteers, and staff, and toured the building to see the different areas dedicated to supporting the community.

The Mayor said: "The Mayoress and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We were able to observe the fantastic work being provided by the Salvation Army. We spoke to volunteers and service users and heard about the positive impact the Lighthouse Project has had on their lives. I would like to personally thank all those involved – they are making a real difference."

The Lighthouse Project runs every Friday from 10am to 1pm on a drop-in basis. Funded by donations and run by a team of employees and volunteers, it offers hot meals, tea and coffee, cold drinks, food parcels, showers, and laundry facilities.

Captain Maisie Veacock, church leader of the Salvation Army in Oldham, said: "We want to thank the Mayor for taking the time to visit our church and community centre and see the positive work we do here to support members of our local community.

"It was wonderful to show him our weekly drop-in, to see him interacting with our clients, and to share details about why we do what we do. Oldham has many deprived areas, and we see first-hand every day how people are struggling. Working people and households on low incomes are still not able to make ends meet. People in times of crisis or experiencing homelessness find a safe space and haven with us. Everyone needs that extra arm of support more than ever before.

"We are passionate about giving those people a voice, and it was important for us to show the Mayor how we help and to highlight the breadth of support we offer. We are only too proud to continue to be at the heart of the community. We see ourselves as offering a hand up, not a handout, and walking alongside the people who live within our town."

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Oldham for more than 140 years, supporting the local community since 1882.

For more information and contact details for support, visit: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/oldham-roundthorn