Lottery funding boost for TWELVE Oldham community organisations

Date published: 08 March 2018


Twelve Oldham community organisations are celebrating today after being awarded almost £390,000 in National Lottery funding between them.

The money, raised by players for good causes, is being distributed by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. In total.

The organisations range from a community food garden that will encourage cooking and health eating, to a computer coding club for children and African drumming sessions to support people experiencing stress, anxiety and depression.

The range demonstrates the breadth and variety of different groups applying for National Lottery money to support their ambitions.

But while diverse, they share one thing in common – they all have the local community at their heart.

The OAK Community Development - based at the Earl Business Centre - are celebrating today, having been granted nearly £300,000 for a new project to raise the aspirations of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) families living in Oldham.

Young people aged 11- 21 will benefit from a range of activities geared towards boosting skills and confidence.

These activities will include volunteering in the community and work experience placements, as well as a family-wide programme where mentors help parents and children to pursue their interests, whilst strengthening the family unit.

Kashaff Feroze, Manager at OAK Community Development, said: “There are huge disparities between young people who come from BAME communities in Oldham and those who don’t when it comes to education, skills and qualifications; and this begins from an early age, running right through into adulthood.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will give young people and their parents the opportunity to focus on their individual strengths, build on their talents and follow their interests – while also recognising these qualities in each other.

"This will ensure that young people grow in confidence and self-belief, and that their parents feel encouraged to offer the invaluable support needed to help them reach their potential.”   

James Harcourt, England Grant-Making Director at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “Great community projects like OAK Community Development are what National Lottery funding is all about.

"We can see how the money raised by players for good causes helps to bring ideas to life and gives people the opportunity to work together for the good of their families and community.

“Whether from a village, town or city, we’re proud that our funding supports people who have identified what matters to them and their community and who want to make a positive change.”

Oldham isn’t alone in enjoying the good news – Greater Manchester as a whole is receiving £2.2 million, which is being distributed across a total of 113 community projects and organisations.

The other Oldham beneficiaries are the Oldham Carnival (£1,550), The Growing Hub at Limehurst (£3,500), Mahdlo (£8,463), Inner Quest CIC (£9,436), Oldham Greenhill Community Sports and Recreation Club (£9,734), Waterhead Church Youth Club (£9,791), WIFI North West CIC (£9,804), Oldham Community of Empowerment (£9,960), South Chadderton Methodist Church (£10,000), Crompton Cricket Club (£10,000) and the Oasis Hub Oldham (£10,000).

The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out money raised by National Lottery players for good causes.

Last year it awarded almost £713 million and supported almost 14,000 projects across the UK for health, education, environment and charitable purposes.

As part of today’s announcement it has revealed that the total pot being made available to community groups and organisations across England this quarter is £54 million.

To find out more, visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.