Oldham Enterprise Trust secures £168k funding fillip from National Lottery

Pictured at the launch of the new “SkillsBridge Oldham” initiative are (left to right): Wendy Brown (Oldham Enterprise Trust), Kashif Ashraf, Cllr Eddie Moores, Stephen Lowe, Frank Rothwell, Mohammed Hussain, Cllr Zahid Chauhan OBE, Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Dave Benstead (Chair of Oldham Enterprise Trust), Iffat Parveen and Sharon Jandu

Oldham Enterprise Trust has announced that it has successfully secured £168,000 in funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.

This vital funding will be instrumental in supporting the Trust’s mission to enhance the employability and wellbeing of unemployed individuals across Oldham.

Over the next three years, the funding will allow the Trust to support 500 people, offering them the tools and resources needed to improve their overall health, build resilience, and develop the financial and employability skills necessary for securing and sustaining employment or self-employment.

The new “SkillsBridge Oldham” initiative will focus on addressing the holistic needs of participants, ensuring they are better equipped to navigate the challenges of unemployment.

By enhancing resilience and fostering confidence, the programme aims to significantly improve the prospects of those seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce.

Dave Benstead, Chairman of Oldham Enterprise Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for their generous support.

"This funding will make a substantial difference to our charity and the individuals we serve.

"With these resources, we can address the pressing needs of unemployed people in Oldham, helping them not only to gain essential skills but also to improve their overall wellbeing.

"This holistic approach is crucial in ensuring that participants are not just ready for employment but are also resilient and confident in their abilities to sustain it.

"Thank you to the National Lottery players for making this possible too.”

The Oldham Enterprise Trust is committed to empowering individuals by providing them with the necessary support to thrive in today’s challenging economic environment.

The funding will also enable the Trust to expand its services and reach, making a lasting impact on the community.

Oldham Enterprise Trust is a charity dedicated to supporting enterprise and employment in the Oldham area by offering various programmes and services designed to improve employability and overall wellbeing.

Through a range of initiatives, the Trust aims to build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

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