Oldham Athletic Community Trust provide an in-depth overview of their current work during the pandemic.
Following last week’s lockdown announcement from the government, Oldham Athletic Community Trust team (OACT) in partnership with Oldham Athletic Football Club have been working hard to review and adapt delivery whilst launching several new initiatives to continue their support for those across Oldham in need.
Martin Vose, OACT Head of Community commented: “The planning for ourselves started last Monday, prior to the official news. We wanted to ensure that should the news of a lockdown be confirmed that we were in the best possible place to respond in a quick and effective manner.”
OACT have launched an extensive range of new elements that are available to local schools, such as:
- Classroom activity packs.
- Weekly activity videos.
- Physical activity challenges.
- Live lessons (physical activity and PSHE).
Away from the classroom, the Community Trust have also assisted schools in delivering food items to those pupils learning at home.
Jack Garside, PL Primary Stars Lead, added: “This week alone, alongside our continued in-school support, we have provided our school partner network with 11 additional opportunities. These have all been delivered in a bespoke manner for each class who attended, engaging with both the children still at school and those who are home learning. Throughout the week we have covered a wide range of topics, from recycling workshops (PSHE) to developing hand eye co-ordination (physical activity).”
For more information on how OACT could support your school please email Jack.Garside@OACT.org.uk.
Alongside the extensive school based delivery, OACT have also launched new initiatives to support the wider community.
Never Alone
In an effort to combat loneliness and isolation, Oldham Athletic Community Trust (OACT) are launching a new initiative titled ‘Never Alone’.
As the country enters a new period of national lockdown and the tightening of restrictions, the club wants to send the message to elderly members of the community that they are not alone and help them to get through these difficult times with a show of support. Over long periods, loneliness can increase the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
As a result, in order to tackle this issue OACT are initially distributing 100 activity packs which will be prioritised for elderly members of the community.
The packs will contain:
- Puzzle books and pens.
- A letter of support from Latics Head Coach Harry Kewell.
- Letters of encouragement from pupils who attend some of our partner primary/secondary schools.
Food For Thought
Prior to Christmas OACT, supported by schools & local partners, collected and distributed over 15,000 items. Following the huge success of the Christmas 'Food For Thought' appeal, OACT have now launched a third element of the project.
OACT are providing schools across Oldham with the opportunity to receive upto £100 in Tesco vouchers, which can then support those pupils & families who are in the most need. Whilst availability is initially limited we will welcome applications from all schools.
Martin Vose, OACT Head of Community, added: “Our first two food for thought initiatives demonstrated the ongoing need for support in this area, hence the reason that we as an organisation have re-introduced a new element to this offer. We understand that schools are in the best place to understand their individual communities, with these vouchers we intend to ensure that bespoke support is provided where needed.”
For more information on the third 'Food For Thought' initiative, email Jack.Garside@OACT.org.uk
Kicks @ Home
With all of the current face to face PL Kicks sessions suspended due to the Covid-19 restrictions the project will now operate digitally. Participants will be provided with stay at home challenges, physical activity videos and online sessions.
Further information on the PL Kicks stay at home opportunities will be communicated to participants.
Where's Chaddy
Next week additional sites for the 'Where's Chaddy' initiative will be introduced, alongside current parks (Royton, High Crompton and Chadderton Hall).
Whilst understanding the implications that lockdowns may have on people's mental and physical wellbeing, through the 'Wheres Chaddy' initiative the Trust want to utilise some of the fantastic local outdoor spaces and provide a family activity that is safe for people to get involved with that fits into the latest government guidance over the duration of the next four weeks.
Please ensure you keep up to date with Government Guidelines, which can be read by clicking the link: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Communities United
The Communities United Project, in partnership with REEL CIC started back in November and is continuing over the next few months. So far, participants have engaged in numerous activities such as Wheres Chaddy, Virtual Social Events, Diversity Dishes and more.
The Diversity Dishes Project is all about culture and learning about different parts of the World. So far, families have cooked Italian, Indian and Polish cuisine whilst learning about culture and heritage of these countries and comparing them to their own in England and Oldham more specifically. Over the next four weeks, the Diversity Dish themes will cover Bangladesh, USA/Mexico, Africa and China.
Callum Irving, Communities United Project Lead said; “Our Communities United has been a huge success so far! Working alongside REEL CIC, we have positively engaged with 25 families across Oldham from a number of different ethnicities, religions and backgrounds, bringing them together through the project and breaking down barriers. Using the power of food through the Diversity Dishes Project, participants are enjoying making family meals at home from around the world whilst connecting with other families in Oldham via virtual means.”