Find out this week's news from Oldham Council

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From everyone at Oldham Council we wish you a very Happy New Year
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live@thelibrary is back for winter

Looking for some great entertainment to keep you going over Winter and into Spring?

Oldham Council’s new live@thelibrary season has a superb selection of shows and events.

You can discover a world of comedy, drama, new writing, family theatre and storytelling – and it’s all on your doorstep. The events run from this month until April.

More information and tickets for all live@thelibrary events are available from the live at the library website ([link removed])

Children under 12 months are free. All accompanying adults must buy a ticket to attend children’s performances.
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Musical Beginnings Extra classes are free of charge

When: Every Tuesday during term time 11-11.45am
Where: The Lyceum Building
Who: Children 0-4 years old who have additional needs and their parent/carer

Musical Beginnings provides young children with excellent musical opportunities including singing, rhymes, action songs, dancing, stories, musical appreciation, and exploring instruments.

Research shows that children’s speech, language, and communication skills are improved through the use of music. Social skills such as listening, turn-taking, and co-operation are all central to the session. The main focus though is a fun, musical experience for the children and adults plus a support network for parents/carers.

The session will be led by a fully qualified music teacher

To book a place please visit the Musical Beginnings web page ([link removed])

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It's important to know about new TV Licensing scams

TV Licensing is working to help residents protect themselves against being scammed. They are continuing to ask people to STOP – CHECK – ASK if they receive any suspicious communications that appear to be from TV Licensing.

• STOP – Scammers will attempt to trick you into giving away your personal or bank details. Always be wary of letters, emails, texts, or phone calls that promise you money or a refund.

• CHECK: Has the sender spelled your name correctly, and are there any grammatical errors? You should also ensure they have included the correct TV licence number, which you can check on the TV Licensing website.

• ASK – If you are ever unsure about a communication you have received from TV Licensing, it is always best to ask someone – perhaps a friend or trusted advisor.

Check ([link removed]) the TV Licensing website or call TV Licensing on 0300 303 9695 to speak with someone who can help ([link removed])

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Burn safely this winter

If you use an open fire or stove, it is important to know how to burn safely.

Burning the wrong type of fuels, such as wet wood or house coal, releases tiny harmful particles present in smoke into the air, which could damage your health and the health of those around you.

If you have to burn this winter, always choose fuels that are cleaner to burn. Look for the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo on bagged fuel. And have a skilled tradesperson clean and maintain your appliance regularly.

To find out more about the steps you can take to burn safely, and improve the air you breathe, visit the Burn Better webpage ([link removed])

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Both sexual exploitation in person and online can have long-term effects on a child or young person.

They may:
• Struggle with trust and be fearful of forming new relationships
• Become isolated from family and friends
• Fail exams or drop out of education
• Become pregnant at a young age
• Experience unemployment
• Have mental health problems
• Make suicide attempts
• Abuse alcohol and drugs
• Take part in criminal behaviour
• Experience homelessness

Concerned about a child that might be at risk of sexual abuse?

Keeping Our Girls Safe is an independent charity that supports young people to make positive choices and teaches them about unhealthy relationships. They’re available to listen, without judgement and to help.

Speak to them today to get their expert advice on protecting young people, by visiting their webpage or calling them on 07491 068364 ([link removed])
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Do you want to be your own boss?

If you are interested in trading on the Markets, complete our Expression of Interest Form ([link removed])

The markets team will review your form and, based on availability for your product line, we will then invite you to make an Application to Trade.

Rent discounts are available for new traders, that introduce new product lines to the Markets.

More information can be found on the Oldham Markets webpage ([link removed])

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Make a difference this 2023

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean. Approaching the boy he asked, "Young man, what are you doing?" The boy replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die." The man laughed to himself and said, "Do you realise there are miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make any difference." After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it into the surf, then smiling at the man, he said, "I made a difference to that one."
- The Starfish Story by Loren Eiseley

Our foster carers do a fantastic job and that's why we are increasing their benefits!

Why not make a difference to a child this 2023? Have you considered fostering? With a national shortage of foster carers, we're looking for foster carers around the Oldham area.

Fostering is a very rewarding job – both emotionally and financially. There are lots of different roles available to suit you and your family, we need people from all walks of life with varying experiences and abilities.

We're investing almost £15m into children's social care which includes increasing foster carer benefits & allowances, find out more and how to apply here ([link removed])

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Disposing of your Christmas trees

We’re reminding residents that once you have taken your real Christmas tree down you can recycle it by putting it in your green bin. Just chop it into small pieces, remove the wooden block from the base of the tree as this is too big to be composted, and take off any lights and decorations.

Alternatively, you can take it to Arkwright Street Household Waste and Recycling Centre or leave it at one of our collection points in the following parks (Until January 11):

• Higher Memorial Park (car park), Joseph Street, Failsworth (open 7.30am until dusk)

• Royton Park (car park) off Bleasdale Street, Royton. (open 7.30am until dusk)

• Werneth Park (car park) off Frederick Street, Werneth (open 7.30am until dusk)

• Churchill Playing Fields (car park), Wellington Road, Greenfield. Anytime access

• George Street Playing Fields (car park), off Milnrow Road, Shaw. Anytime access

Did you know you can use Bulky Bobs to get rid of any large items?Find out more on their website. ([link removed])

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Had your booster yet?
Autumn Covid-19 boosters continue to be made available for residents over the age of 50 as part of a nationwide effort to top up people’s protection against the virus.

Pregnant women, frontline health and social workers, carers and those at ‘high risk’ are also eligible for the booster.

As the latest infection figures in the UK continue to rise, it’s important we continue to get the protection we need against the virus in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

For more information on how you can book your vaccine,
please visit our dedicated Coronavirus webpage ([link removed])
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Connect with us on Social Media
Oldham Council is on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) , Instagram, ([link removed]) TikTok ([link removed]) and LinkedIn ([link removed]) . Join our followers and get the latest news, events, alerts from across the borough, business, regeneration, employment opportunities and much more.

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For more information and advice about council services, visit
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Oldham Council . Civic Centre . West Street . Oldham, OL1 1UT . United Kingdom

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