Passport to a fun-packed summer

YOUNGSTERS won’t have time to get bored during the school holidays thanks to Oldham Council’s biggest ever programme of summer activities.

Passport to Summer, which runs from July to September, features a line-up of more than 600 action-packed events for young people aged eight to 20.

Techno-savvy teens will be able to keep up with the programme online at www.ouroldham.info, with regular updates on Twitter and Facebook, as well as the chance to win prizes.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for community services, said: “Passport to Summer is the first time there has ever been such a coordinated approach to providing summer activities in Oldham and we believe it is the biggest in the North-West region.

“We also wanted to promote this in a way that would appeal and be instantly accessible.

“Youngsters today don’t just utter the words ‘I’m bored’, they Twitter them or use them as their Facebook status update, which is why we are using those websites to push this information out to them.

“This is an exciting programme and with so much variety on offer there should be something to suit everyone.

“All the sessions will be fun and many will equip youngsters with new skills like first aid, self-defence or survival techniques. There really is no need to sit at home bored any more — whatever the weather.”

Each district of the borough will have its own events programme and also a specially designated Youth Zone — staffed venues offering young people somewhere to go, socialise, join in games and activities, or just chill out.

In Royton, highlights include orienteering and animal handling, while youngsters in Saddleworth and Lees can enjoy anything from life saving in the pool to rock climbing.

There are athletics and football competitions in Chadderton, and East Oldham has mountain biking and even a talent show.

West Oldham promise everything from DJ/MC workshops to Brazilian dancing, while Failsworth and Hollinwood is offering beauty sessions, including hairdressing and mehndi, as well as trampolining and cooking.

The programme is a collaboration between Oldham Council and partners including Greater Manchester Police, Groundwork, Integrated Youth and the Countryside Service.

Passport to Summer brochures will also be available in schools, libraries and community centres across the borough.