This week our Covid rates have decreased slightly to 294 per 100,000. However, transmission rates among young people aged between 10 and 19 are continuing to soar.
While children between 12 and 15 years old are less likely to become seriously ill from Covid, high transmission rates means more time off school, missing essential education and social interaction with friends. School disruptions may also impact their mental health and then there's the added stress on parents.
If you're a parent of a child aged between 12 and 15, you can consent to them being vaccinated in school as part of the school's standard vaccination programme. This programme should be completed by 15 November so you need to consent now. Booster jabs underway
A third dose of the vaccine is being offered to those who are eligible. Respiratory viruses, such as Covid, thrive in the winter months, getting passed through sneezing and coughing in public.
The booster offers added protection against serious illness and death, and lessens the chance of catching and spreading the virus.
If you were in the first phase of the vaccination programme (priority groups 1 to 9), you will be contacted about a third dose of the Covid vaccine within six months of your second dose.
Please wait to be contacted by your GP before trying to book a vaccination. Anyone over the age of 16 can get your first or second dose of the vaccine now by visiting our walk-in clinics across the borough or booking an appointment through the onlinebooking system
View our full list of vaccination walk-in clinics, including some local pharmacy drop-ins, on ourCoronavirus Vaccination Page
National Hate Crime Awareness Week 9 to 16 October
National Hate Crime Awareness Week starts today, highlighting what hate crime is, how it affects people and how to report it.
Hate crimes can be any kind of crime motivated by a person’s race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Anyone can be affected by a hate crime, and the sad reality is that most of these incidents go unreported. This means many are suffering in silence.
Greater Manchester Police is running pop-up information sessions across the borough with local Police Community Support Officers, having face-to-face discussions about hate you may have experienced or seen. For full details of what is taking place this week, please visit our Hate Crime Awareness Week webpage
If you have been affected by a hate crime, support is on hand via the free confidential 24-hour hate crime reporting service on 0800 138 1625.
We stand by those affected by hate crime, whether victims or witnesses to it.
We can help
Changes to Universal Credit from Thursday means many households are £20 worse off each week. This presents harsh realities for many of you and we want to offer as much support as we can.
If you’re struggling, we can help with issues like debt, bills, employment, health, meals and more.
Call our helpline on 0161 770 7007 (9am – 5pm on weekdays) or visit We can help
Don't Trash Oldham: Council day of action
This week, council staff have been joining forces with our hard working Environment teams, to lend a hand as part of the #DontTrashOldham campaign.
From cleaning up town centre flower beds to litter picking in Becket Meadow, Werneth Park and Tandle Hill - we've been out in force to play our part.
This month, the #DontTrashOldham initiative focuses on Chadderton North and Chadderton Central wards, removing fly tipping, litter and waste and carrying out enforcement for offenders who disrespect our town.
We're tackling every ward in the borough, so take a look when the teams will be in your ward by visiting Don't Trash Oldham
World Mental Health Awareness Day
This Sunday, 10 October, marks World Mental Health Day; a day we raise awareness of the impact of poor mental health and offer guidance to improve your overall well-being.
The theme this year is Mental Health in an Unequal World’. The pandemic has reemphasised how social, cultural and economic inequalities exist in our borough, andcan have a significant impact on our welfare and well-being.
We want to highlight how you and anyone in our borough can access help if you need it.
If you're struggling with your mental health and need support, there are many groups and services in Oldham providing essential information and vital support. To find out more visit our Mental Health Indexes
On Sunday, we will be posting on our social media channels throughout the day with advice, important contacts and every day tips to improve your mental health and well-being, so please follow the social profiles in the footer of this newsletter.
Exploring Black History Month
Our schedule of events is continuing throughout October, spotlighting stories from black communities, going beyond those of racism and highlighting Black achievement and spirit.
Imagine being vital to NASA's Space Race with the Soviet Union, only to be overlooked in the history books. As part of Black History Month, Hidden Figures is showcasing at the Small Cinema, Oldham Library this Thursday, 14 October at 7pm - Book online
We’re calling on smokers in Oldham to join the millions of people who have made a quit attempt since #Stoptober launched a decade ago.
Over 6 million adults in England still smoke, and it remains the leading cause of premature death, with almost 75,000 preventable deaths every year.
If you're a smoker, or you have family members who smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. As well as reducing your risk of death, being smoke free allows you to start moving better, breathe more easily and save money!
Stop smoking this October and get the support you need via the NHS Stoptober pages
World Mental Health Awareness Day
