OLDHAM Council has teamed up with Oldham Active (Oldham Community Leisure) to provide children living in temporary accommodation and their families with free passes to the charitable trust’s five wellbeing centres.
The passes will give 500 eligible families the chance to enjoy a range of activities, including family swim sessions, exercise classes, state-of-the-art gyms and badminton courts at Oldham Active’s centres in Oldham, Failsworth, Chadderton, Saddleworth and Royton.
Stuart Lockwood, chief executive of Oldham Active, said: “We want every family to have the chance to create memories together and we’re glad we could play a small part in making that happen.
“Oldham Active offers the largest range of leisure facilities, activities and gyms with swimming pools in Oldham, and we know families enjoyed using the offer during half term.”
Councillor Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, added: “Oldham is in a housing crisis, with more than 500 families currently living in temporary accommodation; and among them are 500 children. That’s 500 kids without their own bed, a place to do their homework, living in places like hotels and B&Bs.
“We understand that finding enjoyable and affordable activities during the holidays as a family can sometimes be challenging – that’s even more difficult if you’re living in temporary accommodation.
“These passes gave them some free fun and family memories. Huge thanks to Oldham Active for their support in helping people in our borough to access their excellent venues for free.”