Age UK Oldham and Oldham Council are working in partnership with a whole host of local organisations to hold a week-long event in Oldham Town Centre to help people stay warm, healthy and active throughout the winter months.
There will be a variety of information, advice and goodies available every day from a range of local organisations.
The winter health event will take place from Monday 8th December till Friday 12th December, 10am – 3pm at 1 Albion Street, opposite Iceland and between Lever’s and Zodiac.
Funding for the event has come from Age UK Oldham, Wilkinson’s Winter Grants and Age UK’s ‘Big Knit’ campaign.
The programme for the week includes:
- Wednesday 10th December (9am – 3pm) – Free electric blanket testing, by appointment only, with a free replacement if your electric blanket fails the test (one per household, while stocks last). To make your appointment, telephone Age UK Oldham on 0161 633 0213. If you are housebound and unable to bring your electric blanket to the event, please telephone 0161 633 0213 to make alternative arrangements.
- Tuesday 9th December (10am – 12pm) – Walking stick exchange and MOT service – come and get advice from the Community Physiotherapy Team and find out if your stick is in good nick!
- Find out how the Warm Homes Oldham scheme can help you to make your home warmer and more energy efficient.
- All week – Information, advice and goodies!
Come and join us and find out more about the help and support available. Age UK Oldham’s Chief Executive, Yvonne Lee, said “We want to encourage people to come and find out more about what Age UK Oldham and its partners have to offer. There are lots of practical services that can make life easier during the winter months, but also lots of opportunities to get involved in activities to help people to stay active and keep in touch with the local community.”
Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport, said: “If you want to stay warm and healthy this winter I’d urge you to come along as a number of local agencies will be on hand able to give help and advice. If you can’t attend then home visits can be arranged if required.
“During the cold weather it is very important we all do our bit and look after people who we think may be a little vulnerable.
“The council is doing as much as we can, but everyone can help out in their own way to help reduce the risk of people feeling lonely or isolated. Just knocking on a neighbour’s door to see if they are alright or nipping round for a cup of coffee could make a lot of difference to them.
“One of the biggest issues in the winter, especially for older people, is not being able to get out and about as much. That’s why it’s important to stay in contact with friends and family, and make the most of events and activities happening in the community.”
