Rotary clubs add their voice to opposition to proposed Mahdlo cuts

The Mahdlo Youth Zone in Oldham

Four top rotary clubs are urging residents to oppose proposed Oldham Council funding cuts to the town’s youth hub Mahdlo.

In an emotional message Oldham Metro, Saddleworth, Chadderton and Failsworth and Crompton and Royton clubs say: "Our children and young people need your help right now – they are our future."

The club stress: “Childrens' emotional wellbeing and mental health is important to us all.

"Proposed Oldham Council funding cuts will put at risk the support provided for the five thousand children and young people who annually attend Mahdlo and its nine outreach youth centres located across the Borough.

“We are asking for your urgent help to prevent this from happening. Please show your support by indicating that you Strongly Disagree with the Council`s proposal by going to: www.oldham.gov.uk/letstalkbudget and follow the link to Communities and Reform.  Proposed Mahdlo funding cuts is the fourth item.”

Under the proposals, funding for Mahdlo would be cut by £200,000 over two years - a 50% reduction in their budget.
 
Oldham Council admit that funding reduction will have an impact on the charity saying Mahdlo would "need to consider how it reorganises its activity, assess staffing levels, and assess which current services are working."

"The impact of the reduction could mean that they will deliver less activity for young people. This could potentially be mitigated by Madhlo increasing its charges, patron and grant income."

After the proposals were announced last year, Chris Wareing, Chairman of Mahdlo, said: “Oldham’s young people need our support now more than ever. By working in partnership with the council, Mahdlo has been able to provide a vital lifeline for the last 8 years, which enables them to talk to trusted and trained adults on their terms. The Youth Zone is so much more than an activity centre; it provides the necessary future foundations for Oldham’s next generation. It is often their only safe space and source of positive contact with the community they have.

“We’re deeply concerned about the impact the council’s cuts will have on our members and their families. We must work together to make sure their needs are met now, or there will be major costs to health and welfare services in the future. I would urge the council to work with us to find an affordable plan that will ensure our young people get the future they deserve.”

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