YOUNG people from Oldham have been working to help boost their own mental health and wellbeing – while at the same time looking to raise money for a pioneering new initiative aimed at helping people who are homeless or at risk.
Oldham’s Youth Voice Family is made up of four organisations; Oldham Youth Council, Oldham’s Children in Care Council, Barrier Breakers and Oldham’s Opportunity Area Ambassadors.
This summer these groups have been working together as part of the Our Oldham Project.
The project was designed to aid our young people through the five ways to wellbeing:
* connecting – by meeting new fiends and building on existing friendships; they have
* getting active – by walking around the borough and taking part in activities such as cycling and golf;
* taking notice – by visiting the different districts of Oldham and discussing what is happening here and now;
* learning new skills around photography, art and creative writing;
* and finally, they will give by raising money for the Real Change Oldham fund.
As part of the project the young people have produced artwork, photography and creative writings that will be framed and displayed in an the Our Oldham exhibition at Oldham Library.
All the artwork will be available to buy as part of a blind auction, with all the proceeds going towards Real Change Oldham.
The exhibition runs from September 3 to 14 and you can go along, admire the artwork and place a bid.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Children and young people are facing many challenges in life that can affect their emotional and mental wellbeing, and we know that’s no different here in Oldham.
“There’s already some good work going on within our schools and colleges to promote mental health and wellbeing and it’s impressive our young people are taking the time to get involved in projects like this
“They also deserve our congratulations for coming up with an innovative idea to support such a worthwhile cause. We’d encourage you to go along to the exhibition, have a look and get bidding.”
Real Change Oldham aims to support some of our most vulnerable residents and give them practical support to cover essential costs needed to help end or prevent their homelessness.
It does this by combining donations from the public to buy bigger things that make a longer-term difference to people’s lives.
By purchasing items through local charities, it also ensures funds are spent on the things which matter when the person has the support in place to make the most of it.
Residents and businesses can do their bit to help by going online and donating on the website at www.realchangeoldham.co.uk <http://www.realchangeoldham.co.uk>