Home truths from Lee

HELPING the homeless . . . Lee Wilds

LEE Wilds’s commitment and dedication to his work has seen him help countless homeless Oldhamers into employment and education.

And now the 34-year-old’s efforts have been recognised with a Pride in Oldham Award nomination.

The father-of-one is a Learning Development Project Worker at Threshold Housing Project which aims to provide accommodation for 16 to 60-year-olds.

Lee’s role involves helping the town’s homeless population to get involved with education, employment and leisure activities so they can make a valuable contribution to society.

Over the past year, Lee has helped seven service users to enrol at college, four to gain employment, three to enrol as voluntary workers and eight to attend courses that will help their future career prospects.

He has also worked to gain Victor Andre a place in the Homelessness World Cup which will take place in Melbourne, Australia, in December.

Lee, who lives in Higginshaw, said: “I really enjoy my job and it’s fantastic to know that I can help to make a difference in people’s lives.

“It is a big responsibility but it’s great to watch people change and better themselves by gaining greater chances which will open up new doors for them.

“Their potential has always been there and we just point them in the right direction and help them to become the person they were always capable of being.”

Helen McCreave, homelessness strategy officer at Oldham Council, who nominated Lee, said: “Lee has worked very hard in the last year to engage a very hard to reach group of homeless people. He has actively encouraged them to engage in activities that have helped them gain employment or build up their confidence.

Lee could not have made his achievements happen without his patience, commitment and hard work.”

To nominate someone for a Pride in Oldham award, fill in and return the nomination form

To nominate someone for a Pride in Oldham award, tell us:



The name of the person or group nominated

A contact number for them, if known

Their job title and place of work, if relevant

Your reason for the nomination

Your name

Your contact number

Send your info by email to editorial@oldham-chronicle.co.uk, marked “Pride in Oldham Awards, 2008




Pride in Oldham is supported by:

Innovative Technology

J W Lees Brewery

Molnlycke Health Care

Northern Counties Housing Association

Oldham Council

University Centre Oldham

Warburtons