Council bid to help over-50s Age Well

Oldham Council is launching Ageing Well Oldham – an initiative to help residents over the age of 50 further their career, get help with business funding and improve overall health and wellbeing.

The free sessions will take place every Thursday, 9.30am – 2.30pm, from 22 March, at Werneth Lifelong Learning Centre.

Residents across the borough are invited to attend a special launch event on 15 March, 10am – 1pm, Werneth Lifelong Learning, Frederick Street, Oldham OL8 1RB.

Those attending the sessions will get free access to employment advice and information from Oldham Council’s Get Oldham Working team, Job Centre Plus and Learn Direct staff.

The sessions will also help residents identify the skills and abilities needed for a chosen career path through the Get Oldham Working’s Career Advancement Service.

Those looking to make a step in entrepreneurship and open their own business can get vital information on funding and grants from Give it a Go, Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub and other key agencies.

If you’re looking for advice and support with your health needs then our Lifelong Learning Service and Oldham Community Leisure will also be able help you. 

The Ageing Well hub has been introduced after the Centre for Ageing Better, an independent charitable foundation, signed a five-year partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority to develop and share new approaches to tackling social, economic and health inequalities in later life.

One of their key priorities is to increase the number of residents over 50 in or looking for work.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Leader of Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority lead for Fairness, Equalities and Inclusion said: “Oldham Council has launched this hub as part of our commitment to the Greater Manchester Strategy, which includes us using an innovative an approach to become the UK’s first age-friendly city-region.

“We want people to stay healthy, have an active work life and live at home for as long as possible. That’s why we’re improving health services, tackling loneliness, social isolation, encouraging community activity participation and general wellbeing.”

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Employment and Skills, said: “With the help of the Ageing Well Hub and our dedicated Get Oldham Working team residents will be able to get the support they need to help them go further.

“They will be able to explore their potential skills for career progression, find out more about how to start their dream business, or simply get the tools they need to become healthier.

“Our Get Oldham Working team already offers support to residents and I am pleased we are extending the offer.

“We look forward to helping create more opportunities for residents across the borough and I hope everyone does their bit and uses the service.”

The day will consist of Health and Wellbeing, 9.30 – 10.30am, employability related workshops, 10.15am – 12noon, and enterprise development support, 12.30 – 2.30pm, every Thursday.

Werneth Lifelong Learning Centre itself is steeped in history as it was the home of the well-known Lees family in the 1900s. Marjorie Lees – an Oldham suffragist – donated the building to the townspeople of Oldham, along with the surrounding parkland, in memory of her mother, Sarah. The land is now known as Werneth Park.

For more information about Ageing Well Oldham visit www.oldham.gov.uk/ageingwelloldham or contact the Get Oldham Working team on 0161 770 4674