Camper van of hope set to tour Oldham

An iconic VW vehicle will soon be beetling around the borough as a beacon of hope for those who cannot even afford the bus fare to access financial support.

Thanks to a new scheme run by Upturn, the converted Buzz van will decamp to areas of Oldham and offer health, employment, housing and financial advice and support to those it says “are on the margins of society.”

Anwar Ali OBE, Managing Director, and co-founder of the multi-award-winning social enterprise, said: “Picture this: a family standing at a crossroads, torn between a bag of frozen chips to feed their loved ones and a bus ticket to reach Oldham town centre for help.

"It’s a choice no one should have to make.

"We believe there’s a sizable population so financially strapped that even a bus fare seems out of reach.

"So, we’ve transformed a humble camper van into a rolling hub of compassion.

"Inside, there will be a dedicated crew of experts: employment wizards, life coaches, and community superheroes - all ready to lend a hand.”

Upturn’s drive isn’t just fuelled by goodwill; it’s backed by some hard-hitting statistics.

The unsung heroes from the street-level organisations currently engaging with young people, paint a similarly vivid picture.

They tell tales of a young man surviving on a daily slice of garlic bread, families using old newspapers as makeshift diapers, and brave young women sacrificing their own well-being to feed their kids.

“Helping the most disengaged isn’t straightforward," added Anwar (pictured above).

"These individuals often slip through the cracks.

"They might lack a bank account, their name might not grace the electoral roll, and they could be invisible to benefit systems.

"But we know they exist.”

He added: “We are not here to dole out pity.

"Our mission is empowerment.

"We will help people stand on their own two feet, tackle debt, claim benefits, and chart paths toward work or education.

"And we are enlisting youth champions to spread the word.

"So, next time you see that blue van rolling through your neighbourhood, know that it’s not just a vehicle - it’s a lifeline for those who’ve missed the bus to a better future.”

Back the Crowdfunder campaign to reach the most disadvantaged in Oldham by clicking here

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