Making sure Oldham Cares this Christmas

Oldham Cares staff and Oldham Council officers and ward members are helping to contact thousands of vulnerable and elderly people to make sure they’re safe and well ahead of Christmas.

The MioCare Group, which is responsible for delivering social care in Oldham and a key player in the Oldham Cares alliance, calls its Helpline and Response customers in the run up to the festive period every year.

The annual ring round started on Monday, December 17 and continues until Christmas Day.

It will see various teams from the MioCare Group calling local vulnerable and older people who may not receive any other services or support.

This year the teams were joined by Oldham councillors including Councillor Sean Fielding, Oldham Council Leader, Councillor Zahid Chauhan, Cabinet Member of Health and Social Care, and Councillor Fida Hussain, Chair of the MioCare Group board.

Callers are speaking to residents to make sure they’re prepared for the festive period – for instance checking that their heating is working and that they have enough food and medicine at home.

This is also an opportunity to reassure residents that they’re not alone over Christmas, and let them know that the Helpline and Response Service will be operating 24-hours a day in case of emergencies. 

Cllr Chauhan said: “We know many of our elderly residents need extra support at this time of year. They may not be able to leave their home as it gets darker earlier or when it’s icy and cold.

“This also impacts on loneliness, which we know is a huge risk to people’s wellbeing.

“Our annual ring round is a great way for us to do #ourbit and make sure that residents with limited mobility don’t feel abandoned.

"A simple phone call can make all the difference to make sure they’ve got enough to eat or that their home is warm enough.

“We’re also urging you to do #yourbit and look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours and friends – perhaps by making sure their bins are out on icy mornings, or simply popping over for a cup of tea – a friendly face will always be welcome.

“The result is that no one feels alone this Christmas in Oldham.”

Staff at Oldham Council have also been doing their bit to help spread festive cheer by taking part in the annual Christmas Toy appeal.

This ensures that children who may not otherwise receive a gift have a present to open on Christmas Day morning.

More than 250 presents were donated by staff from across the local authority.

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