Vaccine info and more

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Coronavirus: Oldham is in Tier 3

Oldham, along with the rest of Greater Manchester, is in the Very High tier, tier 3. This is due to be reviewed on Wednesday 16 December.

In all tiers non-essential retail shops, gyms and hairdressers have reopened as well as communal places of worship. Schools, colleges and universities are also to remain open.

However, in Tier 3 pubs, bars and restaurants remain closed, but can serve takeaway meals.

For more information, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert
Coronavirus vaccination programme starts in Oldham next week
Over the coming weeks and months residents of all ages will be offered the vaccine, the first being residents aged 80 and above.

From today (December 11) representatives from Team Oldham will start calling residents aged over 80 offering them the vaccination. Don’t worry, you will be called when it is your turn for the vaccine. To ease pressure on the NHS at this busy time, and to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible, we are advising you not to call the NHS and council as you’ll be contacted when it is your turn.

To find out exactly how the appointment system will work click here ([link removed][UNIQID]) . Please be aware that the callers booking vaccinations will not ask for any other personal details other than asking people to confirm their name. They certainly will not ask for any money (we have already been alerted to possible phone scams with callers asking for payment for access to vaccinations).

Please share this information with people you know, especially the elderly and vulnerable. The vaccine is safe and has gone through many months of testing before reaching this stage.

For more information visit the NHS website here ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
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We can help if you're struggling
During the school holidays we will be providing food vouchers for families on low incomes, supporting 17,000 children. All those who are eligible for this support will be contacted.

Other help is available through schemes such as Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments, Test and Trace Support Payments and Warm Homes Oldham.

To find out more click here ([link removed][UNIQID]) . Or, if you’re in need of emergency support, you can make a claim to the Local Welfare Provision Scheme or you can call us on 0161 770 7007.
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Changes to bin collections over Christmas
There will be changes to Friday bin collections only over the Christmas period. As usual there will be no bin collections on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Bins due to be emptied on Friday 25 December will instead be collected earlier on Saturday 19 December (except for food and garden containers).

Bins due for collection on Friday 1 January (including food and garden containers) will be collected a day later on Saturday 2 January.

Leaflets are being delivered to households in the areas affected and reminders are being sent out on our social media channels. Collection dates can also be checked via the online postcode checker here ([link removed][UNIQID]) .

After the festive period Christmas trees can be chopped up and put in green bins. Alternatively, they can be dropped at Arkwight Street Recycling Centre or drop off points at Higher Memorial Park, Royton Park, Werneth Park and Churchill Playing Fields.
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Loan sharks
This week three people have been charged with offences of illegal money lending, money laundering and fraud by false reputation in Oldham.

The Illegal Money Lending Team is warning residents about the dangers of online loan sharks in the run-up to Christmas. Loan sharks are increasingly using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to advertise their illegal loans and target potential victims.

If you or someone you know have fallen victim to a loan shark, you can contact the Stop Loan Sharks Helpline 24/7 on 0300 555 2222 in the strictest of confidence. You can also email the team at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or use Live Chat to talk to a support officer online here ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
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Join Santa's nice list, foster for Oldham
If you have ever considered fostering, now is the time to do something about it. All types of people make great carers. All we ask is that you are over 21, enjoy working with children and have room in your home.

To find out more, give our elves a call on 0161 770 6600 or visit our workshop here ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
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Get festive with Oldham Music service 🎵🎄
Sit back and enjoy a virtual Christmas Performance online from Oldham’s Music Centre on Friday 18 December, from 7.30pm on Oldham Council's Youtube Channel ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
Find out more here ([link removed][UNIQID] ) .
Let’s Talk Budget
We want you to have your say on our budget proposals.

We’re looking to save more than £30million as a result of the continuing financial pressures of the Coronavirus and increased demand for services.

We’ve come up with a range of proposals to cut spending and change the way the council operates. These proposals are now available to view here ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
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For more information and advice about council services, visit
** www.oldham.gov.uk/coronavirus ([link removed][UNIQID])
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** Facebook ([link removed][UNIQID])
** Twitter ([link removed][UNIQID])
** Email (mailto:[email protected])
** Website ([link removed][UNIQID])

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Oldham Council . Civic Centre . West Street . Oldham, OL1 1UT . United Kingdom