Mahdlo to re-open on Monday, but it needs our help

The Mahdlo Youth Zone will be reopening its doors for the first time since lockdown on Monday (July 13).

Staff, volunteers and local children will be feeling a sense of excitement, but the enforced three month closure has led to a huge loss of income for the popular activity centre, so an appeal for much-needed help has also been issued.

A post on the Mahdlo website read: "It’s an exciting but different time for us all.

"The lockdown and pandemic have brought the most difficult times we’ve known, but many of our members have also experienced moments of happiness.

"Mahdlo has reached out to every single one of our members with more than 4,000 wellbeing phone calls made, reached thousands more through our Virtual Mahdlo offer on social media, made more than 300 visits to the homes of young people, dropping off activity packs, food parcels, and providing front line responses to safeguarding concerns, mental health and wellbeing issues, and supporting families through the lockdown. 

"We have been, and always will be a beacon of hope and aspiration, supporting young people to be the very best they can be.

"As one of Oldham’s well known charities, Mahdlo has tried to stay positive during the pandemic. 

"However, now we need your help. 

"Despite our best efforts, the lockdown has a had a huge effect on our fundraising capability.

"We have had to cancel some of our much enjoyed events including the Three Peaks of Saddleworth, Boogie Bingo and our Golf Day and postpone others.  

"We rely on our income generation activities to ensure we can open our doors seven days a week, offering a diverse programme to meet the needs of our youth.

"Not being able to fundraise is having a devastating impact on our much-loved Youth Zone and our offer to young people. 

"We’re heading towards a shortfall of income in excess of £250k by the end of 2020 – this has and will continue to put financial constraints on the charity and what we can deliver.

"WE WILL NOT cut corners when it comes to delivering the best for our young people.

"WE WILL NOT give up on supporting our community in any way we can. 

"But we cannot do this without your help.

"Help us to Get Back In the Zone!

"Help us raise much needed funds to get back on track.

"Help us reopen our doors for young people.

"Help us, so when the time comes for lockdown to lift, we can assist our young people to Get Back In The Zone, and continue to be a source of support, activity, and fun for Oldham’s youth."

To donate to Mahdlo's Get In The Zone campaign, click here

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.