This has included experiencing being called racist words, insults, being left out, threatening behaviour or sometimes even violence. Although this is a national issue, in Greater Manchester we have decided to make a stand and take action. The Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership-bringing together the NHS, councils, and community organisations-has just launched the 'No Space for Racism. Make it clear that racism is never acceptable Explain what racism is and why it hurts people Encourage everyone to treat staff with respect Tell people how to report racism if they see it Sometimes racism is obvious. Reporting racism helps organisations take action, supports staff and prevents it fro
Pupils and staff across an Oldham education trust carried out more than 13,000 acts of kindness as part of a campaign that raised over £10,000 for charity. The acts were recorded as part of The Big Serve , an initiative organised by the Epworth Education Trust in Oldham. It saw pupils and staff from Hey with Zion CofE/Methodist Primary School and Rosehill Methodist Primary Academy take part. Together, the trust's 10 schools raised £10,889.42 for charity. Schools supported charities in various ways, from assembling care packages to running sponsored events and collecting donations. Julie-ann Hewitt, CEO of Epworth Education Trust, said: "Kindness sits at the heart of everything we stand for a
The Holy Rosary Church in Fitton Hill, which closed its doors in 2017, is home to a unique mosaic created by Hungarian émigré artist George Mayer-Marton. This month, the charity announced that a new board of trustees has been set up to transform the abandoned building into a community arts and cultural heritage centre. Henrietta Billings (right) and MP Jim McMahon (second left) visit Holy Rosary Church (Image: SAVE Britain's Heritage) Commenting on what the new community centre will mean for the community, Kim said: "The building has so much potential. I have worked on the estate for over 15 years and seen the need for an amazing space like this for the community, especially the young people
Residents in the OL2 8EJ postcode area of Shaw, Oldham, celebrated after winning £1,000 in the People's Postcode Lottery daily draw on April 7, 2026. The postcode covers properties on Oak Street near Oldham town centre. Players pay £12.25 monthly to enter every daily draw. The lottery supports UK charities, with at least 30% of ticket prices going to good causes. Nationally, the People's Postcode Lottery has raised over £1.5 billion for organisations and projects across the country.
Mike Sharples, known professionally as 'Mick the Trick' and 'Magic Mike', has stepped down as secretary of The Order of the Magi in Manchester after nearly 20 years in the role. He formally resigned at the society's annual general meeting on March 24. Sharples, from Royton, will remain with the society as treasurer. He was presented with an engraved magician's wand and holder to recognise his long-standing service. The Order of the Magi, established in 1909, is Manchester's oldest magic society and the third oldest in England. Matt Price, a Saddleworth science teacher and performer, was re-elected for a second term as president. Mr Cassels from Rochdale has taken over as secretary, while Jonathan Royle from Rochdale has been named entertainments secretary and public relations officer.
The Legends, a gym group at CrossFit OL1 in Derker, meets Monday and Wednesday mornings for members aged 55-82 who have overcome health challenges including cancer, heart attacks, and knee replacements. Members like 70-year-old cancer survivor John Roberts credit the group with saving their lives, while 82-year-old Irene Lorenzelli regained fitness to travel to Australia after knee replacements. The group provides adapted workouts focusing on daily movement and strength, combined with strong social support. Members report improvements in both physical and mental health, with some reducing or stopping medication. The group welcomes new members with free first sessions.
Oldham residents have several highly-rated fish and chip shops to choose from this Good Friday 2026. Levers Fish and Chips in Tommyfield Market maintains a 4.2-star rating on Google and TripAdvisor, with customers praising its consistent quality and friendly staff. Saddleworth's popular takeaway boasts 4.8 stars on Google and 4.6 on TripAdvisor, while Chadderton's top-rated chippy holds 4.5 stars on Google and 4.3 on UberEats. Another Chadderton establishment achieves 4.7 stars on Google and 4.8 on UberEats, with customers calling it the best in town. A Lees Road chippy also earns 4.5 stars, with reviewers highlighting its welcoming owner and fantastic food value.
Hack Oldham, a social enterprise, has secured National Lottery Community Fund funding to offer a free six-month filmmaking course to 20 participants. The course, which normally costs money, will train attendees from beginner level to being able to make their own films. Participants will learn from industry professionals, produce two short films, and have their second film submitted to international film festivals. The course includes a travel allowance and will be held at Hack's Yorkshire Street location in Oldham town centre. Hack has previously produced short films and a feature-length film called 'Scream Queen' which is in post-production.
Residents on Whitegate Avenue, Chadderton, near Junction 21 of the M60, celebrated after their postcode OL9 8AH was selected in the People's Postcode Lottery daily draw on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The lottery awards £1,000 to randomly drawn postcodes each day. Players pay £12.25 monthly to enter every draw. The lottery supports UK charities, with at least 30% of ticket prices going to charitable causes. Nationally, the People's Postcode Lottery has raised over £1.5 billion for organisations and projects across the country.
The Renew Paint Shop at Arkwright Street Recycling Centre in Oldham sells recycled water-based paint for a minimum £3 donation. Since opening in November 2024, it has distributed 5,710 litres of paint. The shop, open daily from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 6pm, accepts leftover paint donations and is part of a joint venture between Recycle for Greater Manchester and SUEZ. Councillor Elaine Taylor said the scheme benefits both residents' pockets and the planet. Funds raised support the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity and Renew Community Fund.
More than £4.5 million in capital funding has been awarded to community organisations across Oldham through the Community Regeneration Partnership Capital Grants. The investment will support upgrades to buildings, parks, sports facilities, community centres, churches and green spaces, aiming to improve accessibility, safety and inclusivity. Leader of Oldham Council Arooj Shah announced the grants at an awards event at Chadderton Town Hall on Thursday, March 26. Shah praised community groups as 'the backbone of our borough' and said the funding will help them grow and reach more residents.
Community organisations across Oldham were celebrated at Chadderton Town Hall on 26 March 2026 as winners of £4.5m in Community Regeneration Partnership Capital Grants. The grants will fund projects to upgrade buildings, parks, sports facilities, community centres, churches, and green spaces across Oldham's districts. Oldham Council Leader Arooj Shah praised the organisations as the borough's backbone, providing essential support and creating opportunities for residents. The investment aims to strengthen accessibility, safety, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability of community spaces.
Oldham's Renew Paint Shop at Arkwright Street Recycling Centre sells leftover water-based paint for a minimum £3 donation per pot, with each container at least half full. Since opening in November 2024, the shop has redistributed 5,710 litres of reused paint - enough to cover half of Blackpool Tower. The initiative, run by Recycle for Greater Manchester and SUEZ, aims to reduce waste while providing affordable decorating options. Councillor Elaine Taylor praised residents for embracing reuse, noting the shop benefits both wallets and the environment. The shop operates daily from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 6pm, with proceeds supporting local community projects through the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity and Renew Community Fund.
Gloria McKinley, 84, known as 'Mama Norma', has been honoured by First Choice Homes Oldham for her volunteering work with Support and Action for Women's Network (SAWN) in Chadderton. Mrs McKinley has cleaned donated furniture and household items since 2016, helping prepare them for sale at low cost or free distribution to those in hardship. She was nominated by SAWN's Audrey Murphy and received a Hidden Hero certificate and £50 shopping voucher from FCHO's Zack Grimes. The retired factory worker said she volunteers to stay active and feels the charity helps her as much as she helps it.
The Alt neighbourhood in Oldham has been selected as one of 40 new areas to join the UK government's Pride in Place scheme, receiving up to £20 million over the next decade. The funding will support locally-led projects shaped by residents rather than government-imposed decisions. Communities Secretary Steve Reed announced the initiative, which now covers 284 communities across the UK. Oldham Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah welcomed the investment as a 'huge vote of confidence' in the borough, emphasizing that projects will be shaped by those who know the area best - local residents. The funding aims to create places people are proud to call home and give residents greater control over their area's future.
Nicola, Oldham Council's Safeguarding and Care Planning Team Manager, created 'Welcome Into Our Care' boxes after witnessing a child arrive in care without personal belongings. Each personalised box contains essential items, comforting belongings, and contact details for key professionals. Since January, 50 children in Oldham have received these welcome packs, which include age-appropriate items like toiletries, sanitary products, snuggle blankets, and fidget toys. Councillor Shaid Mushtaq praised the initiative as a simple yet powerful way to bring comfort, dignity, and reassurance to children entering care. Nicola and eight colleagues will run the Great Manchester Run 10K in May to raise funds for the project.
Amin Chowdhury, a serial fundraiser from Oldham, is undertaking a 100-mile trek from Chadderton to Chester during March while fasting for Ramadan. The walk links four mayoral areas and aims to raise money for local charity Mahdlo to support outdoor pursuits for children with disabilities and learning difficulties. The trek is backed by Mayors from Tameside, Warrington, Chester, and Oldham, with donations shared across their chosen charities including young carers services, homeless accommodation, domestic abuse refuge, and empowerment charity Positive Steps. Amin, who met King Charles after his coronation, is known for helping others and raising Oldham's profile through initiatives like the British Education Awards and Excellence in Oldham Awards.
PossAbilities CIC has named HMPasties Foundation as its Charity of the Year, launching a partnership during British Pie Week. The collaboration saw 2,148 pies sold and raised over £1,000 for the charity. HMPasties, based in Oldham, produces handmade pies and pasties while providing employment and training to people leaving prison. The Foundation also offers mentoring and employability programmes to support successful reintegration into society. Both organisations share a commitment to helping people overcome challenges and build brighter futures. They will work together on fundraising and awareness activities throughout the year.
The Spirit of Saddleworth Awards, launched by Saddleworth Parish Council, honoured 11 individuals and five community groups at the Civic Hall on March 19, 2026. Recipients included Carol Oldham for supporting independent businesses, Erica Ryan for 12 years with Scouts, Dr Eamon O'Daly for dementia support work, and Jennifer Greenwood for Lydgate community projects. Other honourees were Kye Steadman for youth projects, Katie Hodson as PTA head, William Smith for 20 years with Delph Allotment Society, Nicola Brown for recovery community work, Karen Jakeman for multiple Saddleworth initiatives, Tracy Buckley for securing £16,000 for Diggle School's Trim Trail, and Christopher Bannatyne for volunteer set building. Community groups recognised included Moorgate Campaign Group, Saddleworth Parish Council Chairman's Charity, Street Scene Greenfield, Dobcross Village Store, and Scouthead &...
First Choice Homes Oldham is supporting Keep Britain Tidy's Great British Spring Clean with multiple community and school litter picks across the borough from March 13-29, 2026. Events include a March 21 litter pick on Barker Street in Coldhurst, a March 27 clean-up in Shaw targeting Salts Street and surrounding areas, and a March 25 event with St Hugh's Primary School and Oldham College in Holts Village. A litter picking tournament will take place in Werneth Park on March 20. FCHO is partnering with community groups, charities, and volunteers, offering small funding and practical support for neighbourhood improvement events.