Community groups scoop cash awards

Community groups across Oldham have received a boost from First Choice Homes.

The Respect Our Community Awards (ROCA), set up by FCHO and supported by local businesses and FCHO’s New Innovation Fund, have handed money to eight local groups.

Among the organisations helped is the Friendship Foundation, a newly-established group of 60 women from Royton, Shaw, Hollinwood and Chadderton, many of whom live alone or are infirm.

The project, which received £1,000, gives members the chance to socialise and improve their quality of life.

Gems parent and toddler group at Zion Methodist Church, Lees; Cartmel Crescent Allotments; energy-efficiency group Daylight; Sporting Sholver and other groups received sums ranging from £500 to almost £7,000.