Council leader's support for Ageing Well Oldham

Oldham Council Leader Cllr Jean Stretton has visited Ageing Well Oldham – a new initiative to help residents over 50 further their careers, get help with business funding and improve overall health.

Cllr Stretton enjoyed a tour around the historic building at Werneth Park yesterday (March 22) and spoke to residents who are already benefiting from the newly introduced service.

Following last week’s launch event the hub is already proving a success with residents.

Martin Kelley said: “I came along looking for advice and support because I want a change in my career.

"I sat down with staff from the Get Oldham Team and we set some objectives and goals for me to achieve.

“Everyone was really helpful and I now feel much more confident in myself.”

Peter Brierley said: “I am in process of setting up my own landscaping business and wanted to see how Ageing Well Oldham could help me.

“I popped down in the afternoon and they advised me on funding and business grants. I found the advisor very informative and I can now move forward with my dream.”

Ageing Well Oldham has been introduced after the Centre for Ageing Better, an independent charitable foundation, signed a five-year partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority to develop and share new approaches to tackling social, economic and health inequalities in later life.

One of their key priorities is to increase the number of residents over 50 in or looking for work.

Cllr Stretton, Greater Manchester Combined Authority lead for Fairness, Equalities and Inclusion, said: “The hub at Werneth Park is a brilliant initiative and helps residents over the age of 50 to get free access to various services including our Get Oldham Working team.

“We want people to stay healthy, have an active work life and live at home for as long as possible in Oldham.

“We look forward to creating more opportunities for the residents over 50 and hope everyone does their bit and uses the service.

“Greater Manchester has set a target to be the first age friendly region in the UK and the new hub will help us accelerate towards that goal.”

Every Thursday residents over 50 can get access to Health and Wellbeing, 9.30-10.30am, employability related workshops, 10.15am-12noon, and general support, including enterprise development, 12.30-2.30pm.

The key agencies delivering the workshops include: Get Oldham Working, Lifelong Learning, Learndirect, First Choice Homes, Great Places, Enterprise Trust, Business Growth Hub, Mind, Ambition for Ageing.

Werneth Lifelong Learning Centre is steeped in history as it was the home of the well-known Lees family in the 1900s. Marjorie Lees – an Oldham suffragist – donated the building to the townspeople of Oldham, along with the surrounding parkland, in memory of her mother, Sarah.

The land is now known as Werneth Park.

As part of the initiative The Greater Manchester Ageing Hub are on the lookout for good news stories and information to share about areas that are becoming more age-friendly.

For more information about Ageing Well Oldham visit www.oldham.gov.uk/ageingwelloldham or contact the Get Oldham Working team on 0161 770 4674.