Mahdlo gets share of big cash jackpot

YOUNG people in Oldham can celebrate after Mahdlo Youth Zone was awarded over £33,000 to help the centre continue to deliver activities in the borough.

The Egerton Street centre was one of eight not-for-profit organisations in the North of England to receive a share of more than £1 million from the NatWest Skills and Opportunities Fund.

Mahdlo will use the funds to run three courses as part of its Future Zone project, aimed at increasing the confidence and aspirations of young people aged 13 to 21.

Mike Doran, interim chief executive of Mahdlo, said: “This funding is a fantastic boost for Mahdlo.

“It will enable us to support even more young people from Oldham to make positive choices about their futures.

“The Future Zone project will increase aspirations, support skills development and prepare young people for the world of work, through exploring and experiencing achievable opportunities.”

Mahdlo and the other recipients were chosen from more than 1,000 applicants following a public vote for the awarding of funding, which seeks to support community and charity initiatives that help people achieve qualifications, get into work or set up their own business, now or in the future.

Steve Mawdsley from NatWest said: “Mahdlo Youth Zone is a fantastic organisation which offers vital support to young people who live in and around Oldham.

“We look forward to seeing how the funding will help to give people the skills and opportunities to build better lives and stronger communities.”

Applications for the next round of funding open on August 24 and NatWest is hoping for a similarly enthusiastic response.

To find out more about the Skills & Opportunities Fund and the application criteria, visit skillsandopportunitiesfund.natwest.com.