Anger as self-help groups lose ‘home’

SELF-HELP groups have been left in the cold by a shock announcement that they will no longer be able to meet in the Rock Street Centre from the end of this week.

Oldham Tranx, which supports people struggling to withdraw from prescribed drugs, is one of the groups hit by the blow.

Barry Haslam, from Tranx, criticised the “obscene” short notice, and said he had been lucky to quickly find another meeting place, at The Link Centre in Union Street, but other groups might not be so lucky.

He said: “We were only given a fortnight’s notice that the Rock Street Centre was to close to self-help groups and that we had to find an alternative venue.

“I’m upset because the council must have known months in advance. We offer our time and effort free and get kicked in the teeth by Oldham Council. It is not good enough. At the very least give us adequate notice.”

The Rock Street Centre, in Oldham, has been home to Tranx for around five years, and it is one of a number of support groups that were left looking for a new meeting place at short notice.

“I started trying to find somewhere else the next day,” said Mr Haslam. “We were very lucky, otherwise I would have been touting around everywhere.”

A number of groups have been able to find a new home at Chadderton Court, and Mr Haslam said: “They want people to provide these services, the vast majority are volunteers and it’s just not on to treat them like this. So much for Cameron’s Big Society. Self-help and support groups save this country millions of pounds a year and deserve to be treated with more respect by those in authority.

With the present economic climate, their voluntary services will be in even greater demand by the general public.”

Councillor Phil Harrison, Cabinet member for adult social services and health, said a review of council property to ensure buildings are fully used had resulted in some council services being relocated to Rock Street.

“We consulted user groups and individuals about our proposals at a recent meeting at the centre and they were very supportive and have agreed this is the best course of action.”


Oldham Tranx will hold its first meeting at the Link Centre on Monday October 31, 11am-1pm, where it will continue to meet every Monday.