A charity supporting a specialist school for children with autism in Oldham is calling on the community to back its bid for a grant of up to £25,000. The Friends of Bright Futures School (FBFS), the parent-teacher association for the Saddleworth school in Grasscroft, has entered the Aviva Community Fund and needs public votes to secure the vital funding. The money would be used to directly benefit the pupils, who require tailored support to thrive at the school and beyond.

Bright Futures School is a specialist independent school that provides education for children on the autism spectrum, many of whom have experienced difficulties in mainstream settings. The school works closely with families and other professionals to create an environment where each child can reach their full potential. The FBFS fundraising effort aims to enhance the resources and opportunities available to these children, and every vote from the local community brings them closer to their goal.

The Aviva Community Fund awards grants to community projects that make a real difference. To help the Friends of Bright Futures School become one of the winners, Oldham residents are encouraged to vote online before the deadline. Every vote counts, and with the strength of the local community behind them, the school has a strong chance of securing this much-needed financial boost.

In related news, Oldham Council is using Autism Awareness Week to highlight the support available for people on the autism spectrum and their families across the borough. As part of this effort, the council and the Autism Way Forward Partnership will be hosting an information stand in Spindles Shopping Centre. The event will run from 10am to 6pm and will provide advice on Oldham’s Autism Strategy, as well as signposting to local services and support groups. The stand offers a chance for residents to learn more about autism, ask questions, and discover how the borough is working to become more autism-friendly. It also reinforces the importance of understanding and inclusion for the growing number of people living with autism in Oldham.

Meanwhile, a brand new community resource has opened its doors at Oldham Library. The library’s Sensory Room is designed to be a calm, inviting space suitable for people of all ages, including children and adults with autism, sensory processing needs, or those simply seeking a relaxing environment. The room is equipped with an array of digital sensory technology that stimulates and soothes. Visitors can enjoy a musical touch wall, an LED interactive bubble tube, fibre optic slideglow, an LED interactive infinity tunnel, and an LED sound table. These installations create a multi-sensory experience that can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and provide a safe space for exploration and play.

The launch of the Sensory Room is part of Oldham Library’s ongoing commitment to being an inclusive community hub. It offers a welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of ability or need, can find something to enrich their time at the library. The room is free to use during normal library opening hours and is already proving popular with families and individuals looking for a calm and engaging space.

These three stories show a community that is working together to support the most vulnerable: from fundraising for specialist education, to raising awareness in the town centre, to providing innovative new facilities at the heart of Oldham. Whether by casting a vote for Bright Futures School, visiting the Spindles stand, or exploring the Sensory Room at the library, there are many ways for Oldham residents to get involved and show that they care about making the borough a better place for everyone.