[Dad John smiling in a blue vest as he reflects on the support he has received from the Nurturing Programme]
Father’s Day focus: How support has transformed family life
It's Father’s Day weekend, and we’re sharing this inspiring dad’s story of reaching out for help through challenging times.
Single dad John received life‑changing support from Oldham Best Start Family Hubs through the Nurturing Programme, run by the Parenting Support team.
"Men can be closed off because we are brought up to be hard and to not show our emotions. But to be able to go through hard times we also need that soft side," he said.
The Nurturing Programme is for parents and carers of children aged 2 to 12. Through a two-and-a-half-hour group session each week for ten weeks, it promotes emotional health, relationship skills, and positive behaviour management strategies.
We have two new Nurturing Programme groups starting, at The Link Centre on Wednesdays at 9.30am to 12pm on 23 September to 2 December and Failsworth Town Hall on Thursdays at 12.30 to 3pm on Thursday 24 September to 3 December. To register click [here]([link removed]).
To learn more email
[email protected]
Treat dad this Father’s Day at Oldham Market
A number of Oldham Market traders are showing their appreciation for dads across the borough with a range of special offers and discounts.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, a delicious meal or a little something to treat the dad or father figure in your life, traders including Strawberry Garden, Dar Al Noor, Entertainment Corner, Jackson’s, Q Tech, Deelites Café, Mum’s Kitchen, Hen House and Meat in the Middle have you covered.
The Market has plenty to help make Father’s Day extra special.
[The team at Waterhead Academy with the attendance award]([link removed])
"Every day truly counts" - Congratulations as school receives National School Attendance award
Waterhead Academy has been placed in the top 25 per cent in the country for school attendance..
The school has received national recognition with the award, presented by Fischer Family Trust (FFT), a charity dedicated to improving educational outcomes through data and analysis.
The academy, on Huddersfield Road, Lees, has received the award received based on improvements in attendance against similar schools.
To read the full story click [here.]([link removed])
[Goalkeeper Eddie Hopkinson in a yellow jersey]
From Oldham to the World Cup: The England story of Eddie Hopkinson
England kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia - and here’s a football fact you might not know.
Goalkeeper Eddie Hopkinson started his career at Oldham Athletic before going on to enjoy a successful career with Bolton Wanderers and represent England on 14 occasions.
He was also part of England’s squad for the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
A small but interesting piece of football history as the Three Lions prepare for another World Cup journey.
Good luck, England!
[Musicians from the band The Happy Hours performing at The Loom in yellow smiley face patterned outfits]([link removed])
A busy and brilliant Carers Week 2026 here in Oldham
The theme of this year’s Carers Week was 'Building Carer Friendly Communities' — and we were out across the borough meeting carers and services, and strengthening those connections.
We hosted a stall at Oldham Royal Hospital, followed by a Carers Celebration at The Loom, with fantastic music from Pathways and The Happy Hours.
We were joined by services including Age UK, Social Prescribing teams, Point SEND, Talking Therapies, Oldham Safeguarding Board, Turning Point, Welfare Rights and our North Community Engagement team, Epseminars.
We visited the families and carers group at Turning Point, supporting people affected by drugs and alcohol, there was a lovely event at Oldham Library, organised by Pennine Care NHS mental health teams, and we also spent time with the Springboard Dementia Carers Group in Royton.
If you’re a carer and need support, or want to help shape local services through our Carers Forum, we’d love to hear from you. Call 0161 770 7777 or email
[email protected]
And for more info click [here.]([link removed])
'Do You See Me?' – Supporting Our Learning Disability Community in Oldham
This week is Learning Disability Week, which raises awareness of what life is like for people who have a learning disability.
This year's theme, "Do you see me?", highlights how important it is for people with a learning disability to feel seen, heard, and valued.
If you need support, you can submit an online referral [here]([link removed]), or call the Learning Disability and Autism Team on 0161 770 7777.
[New Creative Director Nick Bagnall pointing wearing blue tartan patterned cardigan as a person looks on]
Exciting news for Oldham Coliseum Theatre
Nick Bagnall has been welcomed as the theatre’s new Creative Director.
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Nick has worked with some of the UK’s best known theatres and artists. He joins the Coliseum at an exciting time as it moves closer to reopening its permanent home.
Nick will help shape the theatre’s next chapter, championing Northern stories, supporting new productions and creating opportunities for local people to get involved.
Welcome to Oldham Nick!
[Residents wearing yellow T-shirts with a blue 'Joy Maker' slogan]([link removed])
Become a 'Joy Maker' and sign up for Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift
Fancy being part of sporting history by signing up as a volunteer for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, coming to the UK in summer 2027?
The race will pass through Oldham on Friday 30 July, giving local people a fantastic chance to get involved and showcase the borough to a global audience.
You don’t need any previous experience and full training will be provided. Anyone aged 16 and over can apply.
Applications are open now until 1 September 2026.
Apply now at [www.letourgb.com/volunteer]([link removed])
Find out more about the route at [www.oldham.gov.uk/femmes]([link removed])
[link removed]
Oldham Bar Hop returns next weekend with live music, food and offers
Oldham’s popular Bar Hop is back for 2026, taking place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, with a packed weekend of entertainment across the town centre.
Pubs, bars and venues will come together to offer live music, special drinks, food, giveaways and exclusive offers, giving residents and visitors plenty to explore.
Now in its second year, the event features 17 venues, including Fox and Pine, Bees Knees, Molino Lounge, Whittles, Bank Top Tavern and many more.
With the message “Let’s Bring Local Back”, the event encourages everyone to support local businesses and enjoy a safe, welcoming town centre.
For a full list of events visit [whatson.oldham.gov.uk]([link removed]) or follow the ‘Oldham By Night’ on Facebook here [www.facebook.com/oldhambynight]([link removed])
[A person with their hands outstretched as they perform for an audience]([link removed])
Oldham’s year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture has begun
Now we want you to help shape what comes next.
Got a creative idea? Our Rising Up Micro Commissions are now open, with grants of £500 to £3,000 available.
Apply by Friday 3 July.
Find out more by clicking [here.]([link removed])
[link removed]
Your voice matters: Take part in our survey and have your say
We’re asking people in Oldham to take part in a short survey about safeguarding awareness.
The aim is to understand what people already know, improve how we share important messages, and reach more people in our communities.
It only takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your feedback will help shape improvements.
You can take part by clicking on this [link.]([link removed])
[Three women smiling and sharing a chat over a brew with the slogan 'Giving Loneliness a Voice']([link removed])
A simple check-in can go a long way
During Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re encouraging everyone to ask someone “how are you feeling today?”
If you’re struggling with loneliness, please visit our website for support services [here.]([link removed])
No longer want to receive these emails? [Unsubscribe]([link removed]).
