Praise for church

Minister Dorothy Kendrick (middle row, centre, in blue cardigan) pictured with members of the group and carers at Roman Road Methodist Church

A VOLUNTARY session for adults with learning disabilities has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Roman Road Methodist Church in Failsworth hosts a weekly session for all members of the community to take part in a range of fun-filled activities.

Held every Wednesday, from 1.30 to 3.30pm, the group members, their carers, friends and family can enjoy arts and crafts or baking, or simply socialise in a relaxed environment.

The session was set up two and a half years ago when carer Emma Bailey was looking for a venue to host a meeting place for people with learning disabilities.

Church volunteers give up their time to provide refreshments and help run the sessions which now cater for around 25 regulars every week.

Mary Varey (58), from Cherry Wood, Chadderton, nominated the church to show her appreciation for the work they do.

She said her daughter Michelle (35) attends every week with a carer and really enjoys the activities.

Mrs Varey said: “Michelle can’t attend other sessions, like computer courses, and there was no where to go until the church started these open sessions.

“They provide activities such as baking and arts and crafts and the minister Dorothy Kendrick really puts everything into it. The church really has opened its doors to the community.

“Michelle loves it, it gives her a social life and she gets to be with her peers.

“The Pride nomination was just to show that we appreciate what they have done.”

Mrs Kendrick, one of three ministers at the church, said: “Being nominated feels wonderful and very unexpected, it’s the last thing we thought would happen.

“The sessions are an opportunity for people to meet their friends, take part in arts and crafts and are open to the whole community.

“We definitely intend to continue and we would love to expand.”