By Louise Beech
GET Oldham Growing is celebrating its major successes and achievements of the last five years with a new exhibition at Gallery Oldham.
The special showcase ‘5 Years and Growing – a celebration of Get Oldham Growing’ will be on display in the Community Gallery from Saturday, July 13 to Saturday, September 7.
The council-funded community engagement project uses food – through growing, cooking and heathy eating – to bring people together.
The scheme launched in 2014 with the aim of building skills in communities, reducing loneliness and isolation among residents and offering support to community-led food related businesses.
Cllr Shah said: “Get Oldham Growing has been a resounding success and it has already worked with more than 50 groups over the last two and a half years.
“It’s been a combination of hard work and commitment over the last five years from a range of partners, community groups and volunteers, council staff and voluntary organisations – and we’d like to thank everyone who has been involved.
“We want to encourage more people to eat and live healthily. We are committed to supporting Get Oldham Growing and we’re looking forward to what it brings in the future.
“We welcome anyone who loves good food, or wants to get involved with growing, to get in touch with the team.”
The project also looked to increase the number of sites used for food growing projects, aiming to develop a growing hub in each district, support training and education in food and support new job opportunities.
The exhibition, in the Community Gallery at Gallery Oldham, will give people a chance to find out more about the incredible work Get Oldham Growing and its partners have been part of.
There will also be a video on show so visitors can see and hear from some of the local people and groups it has benefited since its launch.
If you would like to get involved with Get Oldham Growing or simply find out more about the initiative, visit www.getoldhamgrowing.co.uk or contact Anne Fleming by email anne.fleming@oldham.gov.uk or call 0161 770 1876.