Christmas closures

2. Help in a crisis

Christmas and New Year can be a very difficult time for some people. Oldham Council wants to ensure those in most need know where to go for help in a crisis. So here’s a list of services and partner community organisations that can help you in an emergency.

Helpline

If you’re worried about your wellbeing, are struggling financially, or need food over Christmas, our helpline is available on the following days:

  • Tuesday 24 December- 9am–4pm
  • Friday 27 December- 10am–2pm
  • Monday 30 December- 10am–2pm
  • Tuesday 31 December- 10am–2pm

It opens as usual on Thursday 2 January 2025 at 9am.

  • Phone the helpline on 0161 770 7007

Oldham Foodbank Christmas Opening Times

  • 24 December (Tue): 9am–3pm
  • 25 December (Wed): Closed
  • 26 December (Thu): Closed
  • 27 December (Fri): 9am–5pm
  • 30 December (Mon): 9am–5pm
  • 31 December (Tue): 9am–3pm
  • 1 January (Wed): Closed
  • 2 January (Thu): 9am–5pm
  • 3 January (Fri): 9am–5pm

Housing Options

(Housing advice and homelessness)

  • Closed from 4pm on 24 December 2024
  • Reopens at 9.30am on Thursday 2 January 2025
  • Housing
  • Emergency phone number: 0800 988 7061

Let us know about someone sleeping rough

Concerned about someone under 18

If you see someone under 18 sleeping rough please call the police.

  • Police general switchboard (24 hours): 101
  • Police emergencies (24 hours): 999

Concerned about someone over 18

If you are concerned about someone over the age of 18 that you have seen sleeping rough you can report it on the SteetLink website:

Real Change

Real Change covers essential costs that help people who are homeless or at risk in our area build lives away from the streets.

Mental Health Support

Samaritans

  • T: 116 123 (any time, from any phone for free)
  • E: jo@samaritans.org (response time 24hrs)

Samaritans
Shout
Text SHOUT for free: to

  • 85258 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Shout Childline

  • T: 0800 1111 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Childline
You can also contact your local GP or call the NHS on 111.

Utilities

Heating

If you’re a tenant and your heating system breaks down, contact your landlord.
You’ll need to call an emergency heating engineer if you're a homeowner.

Water emergencies

Contact United Utilities if you have a burst pipe or any other water-related emergency.
United Utilities

  • T: 0345 672 3723

Sexual Health

Victims of rape, sexual assault, or sexual violence

  • In an emergency, please call 999

Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

Provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and aftercare service to men, women, and children living in the Greater Manchester area who have experienced rape or sexual assault, whether this has happened recently or in the past.

  • 24-hour helpline – 0161 276 6515

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis

Sanctuary

  • Phone 0300 003 7029

National Rape Crisis

  • Phone 0808 802 9999

NHS