This is a tough time for families in Oldham, but we can help
We’ve all faced difficulties, the rising cost of basic goods and even the ability to heat your home.
1. Mental health
Our mental health is equally as important as our physical health. We have resources such as:
- 5 steps to mental wellbeing
- Kooth - a service for 10-25 to talk confidentially with trained professionals and peers
- you can take your child to a Take5 drop-in session run by MIND
- You can also visit your GP, or if in immediate danger call 999 or go to A&E.
- This May Help - NHS advice for supporting your child's mental health before you can visit your GP
2. Parenting
We’ve pre-paid for every parent, grandparent and carer to access £100 of parenting courses. You can claim yours today with the code “DAISY”. Courses cover all ages from bump to 19; get tips to manage challenging behaviour.
- Parenting courses - Our Place website
3. Community support
Oldham has lots of amazing voluntary, community and faith groups which provide help and run activities.
- Action Together Community Activities Directory - Action Together website
4. Family activities
Holiday Activities and Food will be available over the winter for children aged 5- 16 who are receiving free school meals.
For younger children, download the 50 things to do before you’re five app,
Young people can check out local youth groups
Oldham’s Family Information Service includes a range of support and activities for all children including additional needs.
5. Food
We don’t want any Oldham child to go hungry.
There is direct help such as:
- Free school meals
- Your local Foodbank - Oldham Foodbank website
Food and milk scheme
If you’re pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be able to access the NHS Healthy Start food and milk scheme:
- Get help to buy food and milk - Healthy Start website
6. Financial help
If you’ve lost your job or are struggling with rent, heating, debt or benefits we can help.
There are people to talk to so you’re not alone.
7. Domestic abuse
If you or your family are affected by domestic violence or abuse you can get advice:
- Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 254 0909
- End the Fear website.
- You can ask for ANI to get help confidentially in any pharmacy.
- In an emergency, call 999 to contact the Police. If it isn’t safe to speak and you have called from a mobile, press 55 when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police.
8. Problems with drugs or alcohol
Turning Point
Advice and support if you want help about drugs or alcohol:
- Phone: 0300 555 0234.
- Turning Point website
Smart recovery
A national charity that provides help and support in recovering from addictive behaviour:
9. Safeguarding
If you believe they are at immediate risk of harm, contact Greater Manchester Police on 999.
If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult, please contact the Oldham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 0161 770 7777.
10. Speech launguage and communication
How your child communicates is really important for their life, including school, jobs and friendships
We’ve put together our top tips for speech, language and communication: