Yeds humbled to support Oldham's homeless

Roughyeds' rugby league players and staff linked up with Homeless Aid UK this week to volunteer vital support to the vulnerable in Oldham, ahead of the launch by the government of its own National Plan to End Homelessness.

Chairman Bill Quinn joined Oldham stars Jake Bibby, Marcus Geener and Tom Nisbet helped by club officials Chris Chamberlain, George Riley and David Bottomley, to gather and distribute coats, blankets and warm clothing to those living rough on the streets of Oldham during the coldest months of the year.

Currently a family is being made homeless or threatened with homelessness every five minutes, and Oldham RLFC have linked up with volunteer organisation Homeless Aid UK to support the local community and try to make a positive difference.

"The players and some staff have come to walk around Oldham and it is humbling to help people," said Quinn, who provided a van full of clothing for the outreach project.

"My father passed away a few months ago and the hospice really looked after him.

"So I wanted to purchase clothing from the hospice to help the hospice and then give that clothing to the homeless - that was my thought.

"You understand that - but for the grace of god - it could be any of us.

"So if there's anything that anyone could ever do then you have to do what you can to help.

"It really opens your eyes to what other people are going through.

"For us to do this is absolutely nothing and I am so grateful to everyone at the club who has got behind this idea."

Steph Mizera, team leader at the Oldham Soup Kitchen for Homeless Aid UK, said: "Tonight saw Oldham Rugby kindly donate lots of coats and warm clothing for the homeless around Oldham.

"So with the help of Oldham RLFC we have been out and about distributing clothing to anyone who needs it.

"We are fortunate to be able to help people who need it.

"The least we can do is feel the chill for an hour or so to distribute warm clothing to people who genuinely need it."

The night saw the group cover most of the town centre, with Quinn and the players on hand to provide new clothes, coats and blankets to those sleeping rough in the run-up on Christmas.

Riley, who works with men's mental health charities outside of his Roughyeds role, was also able to provide mental and emotional support to those struggling.

Quinn added: "It doesn't always have to be about money, it can just be about being there and helping.

"George was having a conversation with a gentleman who was upset and you could tell that just by George talking to him he knew there was someone who would listen and have a conversation.

"He was quite upset and emotional and it makes you realise that doing this is just a drop in the ocean."

Riley said: "Giving up your time and providing clothes are small gestures that can have a big impact.

"And often those who are vulnerable and struggling can benefit most from simply knowing that there is somebody there who cares.

"I feel it is so important to reassure people that they are not on their own when life feels it has no way forward."

Steph helps run a soup kitchen every Thursday in Oldham, serving hot food, drinks and snacks, along with a small supply of clothing.

She has urged Roughyeds supporters to help in any way they can.

"People can help by spreading the word, spread the word of Homeless Aid," she said.

"Any donations of clothing or anything else would massively help us as well.

"We do hot food and snacks and it is all kindly funded by the volunteers and local companies who donate snacks, biscuits, fizzy drinks - things that will make people's day.

"There are still a lot of people that we are not reaching at the moment which is unfortunate."

Quinn has vowed that the club will continue to work within the community and help support projects that offer hope of a brighter future.

"I think it is a great thing to do and something that we should do more of as a club, and also to highlight the good work that people like Steph are doing," he said.

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