Inspirational Norman in £50k youth boost

Sir Norman Stoller

MORE community groups and organisations are set to benefit from Oldham Youth Council's Kerrching Youth Opportunity Fund - thanks to the generosity of Sir Norman Stoller.

The Oldham businessman, through the Stoller Charitable Trust, has donated £50,000 to the fund, which aims to help improve the lives of the borough's young people.

The cash injection means groups which may have missed out on funding when this year's deadline closed in May now have another chance to bid.

Every year the local authority gives grants from the Kerrching Youth Opportunity Fund - a pot of money that aims to provide enjoyable leisure opportunities and activities to help improve health and wellbeing.

The fund is for 11-19 year olds, or up to 25 if the young people have additional needs. It is managed by Oldham Youth Council which decides how the money is allocated.

Marouf Ahmed (18), chair of OYC, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Sir Norman and the Stoller Trust for this very generous donation.

"It means we can provide much-needed funding for youth groups in Oldham to create positive activities.

"Sir Norman is a great champion for young people and this money will make a real difference and improve outcomes for many across the Borough."

Inspirational

Cllr Jean Stretton, leader of Oldham Council, said: "Sir Norman's contributions to the local area, the economy, young people, business and good causes are simply unmatched.

"The way he has continued to support future generations of young people here has been inspirational.

"He helped inspire the building of our fantastic Mahdlo Youth Zone, and has donated millions to our Get Oldham Working campaign and to help new entrepreneurs through the Oldham Enterprise Fund. To list all the organisations, individuals and campaigns he has supported would be a huge list.

"There are lots of good youth projects and organisations running across the borough but some may be finding things hard due to lack of resources or funding.

"Receiving up to £5,000 thanks to Sir Norman's donation could make a huge difference to these groups and what they are able to provide in our communities."

A spokesman for the Stoller Charitable Trust, said: "We at the Stoller Charitable Trust are delighted to be able to help this very worthwhile initiative.

"What better way can there be than to provide some financial support to the Members of the OYC in their decision making process?

"Together, we hope to enable progress to be made with worthwhile local organisations working with the young people of the borough.

Opportunity

"Oldham's youth are our future and anything we can do to improve their capability through Mahdlo and elsewhere, gives us great satisfaction."

The theme of the funding is "Things to do and places to go".

OYC will only fund applications for activities that address at least one of these priorities enabling young people to:

• Achieve aspirations and expectations.
• Be ready for work and lifelong learning.
• Lead healthier and more active lifestyles.
• Be involved in meaningful, enjoyable and positive activities.
• To participate in decision making processes that affect their lives.
• To be safer from harm.

Application

Anyone can make an application and all applications will be assessed by members of Oldham Youth Council.

The deadline for nominations will be 3pm on Friday, September 9, 2016.

For more information or to request a nomination form contact Jodie Barber, senior youth work manager at Oldham Council, on 0161 770 3117 or email Jodie.barber@oldham.gov.uk.

Completed applications can be sent to pam.jennings@oldham.gov.uk or via post to the following address:

Jodie Barber, senior youth work manager, integrated youth services - Central team, Room 222 - Youth Council Offices, Civic Centre, West Street, OL1 1UL.