A weekly update on what's happening in Oldham and the latest Covid news and guidance

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** A budget for all - have your say
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Last month we released our plans for the 2022/23 Budget. We know that the pandemic has been particularly hard for the lowest paid workers in our town, especially with rising energy and food costs.

That’s why we want to pay all council-employed and contracted workers the Real Living Wage of £9.90, continue investment of an additional £1million a year in our Don't Trash Oldham campaign, and put more money into youth work, to help our most disadvantaged young people and their families.

The consultation closes on Sunday 20 February.

Tell us what you think in our online consultation here ([link removed])

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We’ve improved My Account

My Account is the faster and more flexible way for you to securely access a range of council services, such as paying Council Tax.

Last week our team updated the website with new functions so we can provide you with a better service.

You’re now able to see council service information that is specifically relevant to you, including:
· Council Tax
· Business Rates
· Housing Benefit
· Landlords can view details of their tenants’ claims
· Setting up paperless bills and notifications
· Viewing bin collection dates
· Tracking fly-tipping reports

If you are currently registered, you will need to re-register for an account, but don’t worry, it’s a simple process.

If you use the same email address you currently use to login to My Account, all your information and services will be imported from your old account.

Register for My Account here ([link removed]) Read the full story ([link removed])

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Frank means business

Oldham’s new Ambassador for Business, Frank Rothwell, got straight to work meeting businesses across the borough earlier this week.

Frank, owner and founder of Manchester Cabins, has taken up the role to provide an expert voice and help steer our approach to supporting and growing local businesses.

He visited nine local businesses to introduce himself as Ambassador for Business and get a better understanding of the business community across many sectors in Oldham.

During his tour he talked to representatives from businesses including DGSN UK; Ultimate Products; Positive Steps; Koderly; the Jordon Group; the Featherstall Road Business Association; Crane Payment Innovations; Swans Travel and Chadderton Motor Co.

Read the full story ([link removed])

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Get vaccinated and protect each other

Getting fully vaccinated remains our best defence against Coronavirus, so we encourage anyone who hasn't yet taken up their vaccinations to Get Boosted Now at one of the many sites across Oldham.

We're also asking you to consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces, let fresh air in if you meet indoors and get tested and self-isolate, if required to do so.

Various clinics are available for walk-in appointments for first, second or booster doses. You can book through the NHS website ([link removed]) , or visit our website ([link removed]) to find local walk-in sites across Oldham.

For more information click here (http:// www.oldham.gov.uk/coronavirus)

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Get tested and help reduce cases

You should now only go for a PCR test if you have one of the three main symptoms of Coronavirus. These are:
* a high temperature
* a new, continuous cough
* a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

However, if you test positive for Covid-19 at home with no symptoms and are eligible for a self-isolation payment, please come forward for a confirmatory PCR test as you will need this as part of the process to apply for a payment.

Check your eligibility here ([link removed])

PCR testing sites in Oldham for the week commencing Monday 14 February, include:

Southgate Street car park (Next to Oldham Library)
Monday to Sunday, 8am-6pm

Honeywell Centre, Hadfield Street. Hathershaw, OL8 3BP
Monday to Sunday, 8am-6pm

Peel Street in Chadderton, OL9 9JX
Monday to Sunday, 8am-6pm

Higher Memorial Park, Failsworth, M35 9DE
Monday to Sunday, 8am-6pm

Prince Street Oldham Mumps Tram Station Car Park
Monday to Sunday, 10am-3pm

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Did you know you can get tested at your local pharmacy?

Testing before doing things like spending time in crowded/enclosed spaces, or visiting someone at higher risk of severe illness of Covid-19, helps prevent the virus from spreading.

If you have no symptoms, please get an onsite test at your local pharmacy today.

Find out more ([link removed])

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Oldham Covid cases are dropping

Over the last 7 days, Oldham has had a rate of 702 per 100,000 population, which is lower than the rate of 902 for the previous 7 days.

76.8% of Oldham residents have had their first vaccine, 70.8% have had their second vaccine and 53.2% of those eligible for a booster jab have had one.
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Has your child had their MMR vaccine?

When a child reaches the age of one they are offered their first MMR (measles mumps and rubella) vaccine to help protect them against these three serious illnesses.

These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people and lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against these illnesses, with the first dose recommended for children at one year old and the second at three years and four months.

To book your child's MMR vaccine you should speak to your GP surgery. If you have any questions you can:
* ask your GP surgery or other healthcare professionals for advice
* read more about why vaccination is safe and important

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Donate to the Working Wardrobe

Our Working Wardrobe shop is really coming along and we hope to welcome residents soon!

We'd like to thank everyone who has donated items to this project, which will provide free interview outfits and support to unemployed Oldhamers.

We would love to hear from any more businesses that can donate work-appropriate clothing to help us get the final donations we need to open the doors.

Find out more and get involved here ([link removed])

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Have you got your tickets?

Support some amazing local charities and enjoy a night of great entertainment at the Mayor of Oldham’s annual Civic and Charity Ball on Friday 4 March 2022 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

For more information or to buy tickets, email [email protected] or call 0161 770 4012.
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Make a difference in a child’s life

Now, more than ever, we need local foster families for children and young people across Oldham.

It doesn’t matter if you are already fostering or you have never fostered before, we would love to hear from you.

You don’t need any special qualifications, as we will provide you with first class training and support, plus competitive payments, and allowances. The process is easier than you think and we will be with you every step of the way.

To find out more, call our friendly team on 0161 770 6600 or visit our website ([link removed])
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Don't miss exciting events with live@thelibrary

It's time to discover a world of comedy, drama, new writing, theatre, and music with Oldham Council Heritage, Libraries and Arts.

Live@thelibrary’s spring season is here to entertain you once again with a great selection of events and activities for all ages to enjoy.

We’ve got our popular French Cinema, ‘Bookmark Presents’ author events, The Last Quiz Night on Earth for all you budding Eggheads, and tons more!

Please note that children under 12 months are free. However, all accompanying adults must buy a ticket to attend children’s performances.

Book your tickets here ([link removed])

Could you provide a loving and safe home for a child, or children, with additional needs?

Come to Adoption Now’s next virtual information event on Wednesday 23 February, running from 12noon to 1.30pm, where you can find out more about the adoption process and support available. An adopter will also be in attendance so you can ask any questions you might have and hear from someone with experience.

Register for the event here ([link removed])

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