Oldham’s young people’s charity fights back against proposed funding cuts

The Mahdlo Youth Zone in Oldham

Mahdlo, Oldham’s young people’s charity is appealing to Oldham Council to reconsider proposed budget cuts to the vital youth work services it provides.

Working within the heart of Oldham’s communities, Mahdlo provides essential youth work to help young people grow and reach their potential. The charity gives some of the borough’s most disadvantaged the chance to participate in positive, exciting and constructive activities. Having this opportunity can often inspire and motivate many to transform their lives.

Chris Wareing, Chairman of Mahdlo, said: “Oldham’s young people need our support now more than ever. By working in partnership with the council, Mahdlo has been able to provide a vital lifeline for the last 8 years, which enables them to talk to trusted and trained adults on their terms. The Youth Zone is so much more than an activity centre; it provides the necessary future foundations for Oldham’s next generation. It is often their only safe space and source of positive contact with the community they have.

“We’re deeply concerned about the impact the council’s cuts will have on our members and their families. We must work together to make sure their needs are met now, or there will be major costs to health and welfare services in the future. I would urge the council to work with us to find an affordable plan that will ensure our young people get the future they deserve.”

The charity’s collaborative private-public funding model ensures that every £1 invested by Oldham Council in the Youth Zone is worth at least an additional £3 for the young people of Oldham. The generous support of its individual and commercial donors helps yield a much higher return on the investment provided by Oldham Council.

Lucy Lees, Interim Chief Executive at Mahdlo added: “Our priority is and has always been Oldham’s young people and their families. If support falls away due to lack of investment, there will be serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of all.

“The pandemic has unfortunately served to amplify the challenges facing our younger citizens. Youth workers are part-teacher, part-social worker, part-mental health professional and much more, providing so many benefits. To many of our members, we are an extension of their family.

“This is our community, and we will go above and beyond to advocate for the best possible provision and opportunities for its young people. I hope we can work together with the Council to develop a plan that will make this a reality now and going forward.”

The Youth Zone is asking for the local community to get behind the local services and have its say as part of the Council’s public consultation about the impact that cutting funding for vital services like Mahdlo will have: https://online.snapsurveys.com/s/bna3i1

For more information about the services that Mahdlo offers please visit www.mahdloyz.org .

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