Over the course of 12 weeks, a group of local partners worked together to deliver a series of workshops designed to support and empower Oldham residents. These sessions focused on providing practical life skills and knowledge, helping participants make positive changes in their lives.

The workshops covered a range of important topics, including well-being and confidence building, managing finances, job searching, career planning, and gaining experience through skills development and volunteering. This holistic approach aimed to address both immediate challenges and long-term goals, offering participants a well-rounded set of tools to improve their lives.

The success of the programme can be attributed to the strong collaboration between local organisations, each bringing their expertise and resources. By working together, they created a curriculum that met the diverse needs of the community, helping participants navigate both everyday challenges and their longer-term aspirations.

The most meaningful feedback came directly from the participants. Many spoke about how the workshops helped them feel more empowered, whether by improving their financial confidence, adopting healthier lifestyles, or exploring new career paths.

One participant shared, “Before the workshop, I struggled with isolation and felt alone. Now, I’ve met a group of people who have made a positive difference in my life. I’ve attended every session, learned new skills, and I’m now looking into completing a teaching assistant course. I feel more confident about my future and attending other courses. Thank you for the opportunity.”

Another participant said, “I’ve really enjoyed being part of the group and learned a lot of new things. I’m now thinking about starting my own business, which I wouldn’t have considered before the workshops.”

The feedback from those who took part in the programme, along with the strong partnerships that helped bring it all together, shows how beneficial these types of workshops can be for the community. The success of this initiative demonstrates that when local organisations come together with shared goals, they can create meaningful change.

A big thank you goes to Great Places Housing Group for providing each participant with an Air Fryer. This thoughtful gesture added extra value to the experience and was appreciated by everyone involved.

Moving forward, the success of this programme opens the door to future workshops that can continue to meet the evolving needs of Oldham’s residents.