Onward’s winter resilience programme on hand to help those in need in Oldham and beyond

Leading North West housing association, Onward Homes, has announced its annual winter resilience programme aimed at helping people across Oldham and other areas of Greater Manchester through targeted support.

The programme, which has supported over 15k people in previous years will run through to March 2026 and incorporates warm spaces with low-cost food and drinks, winter support packs, Christmas events and weekly drop-ins providing help and advice on money, mental health and wellbeing and safeguarding. 

In Oldham, it will be offering a series of events over the coming months as part of its wider winter resilience programme as follows: 

On December 18, Thursday, January 15 and then every two weeks from 2.30pm to 5pm, residents will be able to attend Neighbourhood drop-ins to give them a chance to chat to their local Onward Team about their home, tenancy or support services at The Park Community Hub, First Avenue OL8 3SH.

A food hub with a discount will be held at St Chad’s weekly food club every Thursday, 11am to 1pm at St Chad’s, Lime Green Parade, Hollinwood OL8 3HH.  

A weekly drop-in coffee morning supported by Limeside Primary School is held every Monday, 8.45am to 11.15pm at The Park Community Hub, First Avenue OL8 3SH. 

Take part in My Coldhurst Football with sports sessions with food and refreshments every Sunday, 3pm to 5pm at KickSonic, Waddington Street, OL9 6QH. 

Wellbeing sessions and mindfulness activities such as Zumba are held every Wednesday, 10am to 12pm at The Park Community Hub, First Avenue OL8 3SH.  

Oasis Adult Learning’s World of Wool sessions are held every Wednesday, 12pm to 3.30pm at The Park Community Hub, First Avenue OL8 3SH.  

A festive get-together for the over 50s Christmas party is being held on Friday, December 12, 7am to 12pm at The Park Community Hub, First Avenue OL8 3SH. 

As part of the programme, Onward has also partnered with its supply chain to support initiatives run by local organisations that are tackling food and warmth insecurity, reducing social isolation, and boosting wellbeing through its Community Fund. 

In Greater Manchester, over £14.7k was granted to six projects, including First Kick Foundation’s series of drop-in events for young people and adults.  

First Kick Foundation, a not-for-profit based in Salford helps young people and adults to develop the confidence and skillset to thrive through a place based, person centred and life enhancing approach.  

Tom Hutton, Head of First Kick Foundation, said: “This grant will enable residents in Salford to access a warm, inclusive and welcoming space throughout the winter period.  

“Local people will be able to take part in a range of activities when accessing this space, such as interactive gaming and family sport activities, alongside being able to access a range of informal advice and guidance sessions, to help them lead the lifestyles they desire.” 

Other projects supported across the North West include food and warmth initiatives by St James’ Church, Army of Kindness, Hyndburn Food Pantry, The Florrie, and Kitty’s Laundrette, as well as social inclusion programmes from Bury People First, Brave Church, Friends of Rhyddings Park CIO, Accrington Stanley Community Trust, Health on the Agenda, Blackburn House, and Windmill Hill Together. Mahdloyz, Oasis Oldham Community Hub, Maundy Relief, Home Start Lancs, and Liverpool Tool Library are also offering sessions for families and individuals interested in cooking and DIY skills. 

These initiatives, made possible through Onward and its supply chain partners DAS Systems, WRPS, Casey, AMC Group, Rhodar, Stannah, Davies Group, Bevan Brittan Solicitors, AA Molyneux, PFH and DLP, are part of the social landlord’s commitment to maximise the positive impact it has for its customers. 

Joanne Danaher, Director of Housing and Home Ownership at Onward, said:“We’re passionate about making a real difference across the communities we serve, and our winter resilience programme demonstrates what’s possible when we work together with our supply chain and local organisations.” 

A full overview of the support programme can be found by visiting Onward’s website (onward.co.uk/winter-support). Onward’s customers can also access further support with money advice, housing, food, employment, mental health and wellbeing by emailing customerservices@onward.co.uk or calling 0300 555 0600.