What’s happening with our community centres? Coronavirus update

For the time being our community centres remain closed for community and social sessions, with a date for fully re-opening still to be decided.

This applies to all First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO)-owned community centres, which include:

• Alt
• Anchor Street
• Apfel Lane
• Barker Street
• Clarkwell Close
• Daisy Hill
• Nelson Way
• Ridgefield Street
• Tensing Street
• Wallshaw Street
• Welfold House
• Wrexham Close

Critical and essential activities

There are some exceptional circumstances where essential initiatives need to run from community centres and as such, some sessions have been going ahead, albeit in a restricted capacity and only where it is safe to do so.

Critical functions and services initiatives currently running include:

• The Bread and Butter Thing affordable food service at Wallshaw Street

Please note, these sessions are only able to take place where a member of our staff can be present and we’ve been able to carry out a full risk assessment.

Social activities

Our centres will not be opening for social sessions or activities at any time in the near future. While we understand this is not the news many would like to hear, the health and wellbeing of our customers and staff is our number one priority and it’s our responsibility as an organisation to keep everyone safe during the coronavirus outbreak.

How do I begin operating a critical or essential service again?

If you feel your community initiative is critical or essential and dependent on the use of a community centre, please contact our Stronger Communities team at ci@fcho.co.uk or call Kevin Field, Project and Partnership Officer on 07921 495 415. Our staff will do their best to work with you and our health and safety colleagues to seek a safe solution.

Non-essential use

While the outbreak continues, community centres are not permitted to open for non-essential use. If you are aware of any activities that are not classified as critical or essential that are taking place, please contact us immediately on the email address or telephone number above.

Future plans

It’s not all doom and gloom…

While coronavirus has presented many challenges, it has also provided opportunities. We’re looking at how we can strengthen our relationships with community groups across Oldham and have been working with various groups, members of staff and customers to understand how community centres could run in the future.

If you’d like to get involved, please contact us on the email or phone number above.

Finally, thank you to everyone who has taken this pandemic in your stride and where possible, has adapted by using outdoor or socially distanced measures so your excellent work in our neighbourhoods can continue. You are the beating heart of our communities so thank you for doing your bit and adjusting so well.

This page will be continually reviewed to provide the latest information, so please keep checking for further updates. We will also ensure the latest information is communicated via our social media channels too, so make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.