Oldham Charity Gets £56,000 Funding From National Lottery Fund

An Oldham charity has secured £56,000 in funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to support its work.

The funding will enable the charity to expand its Young Leaders Network (YLN), giving more young people opportunities to take on leadership roles.

Founded in 2020, Better Active Oldham is a community-led charity focused on improving the lives of children and their families across Oldham through sport and education.

Since launching, Better Active Oldham has hosted more family activities, holiday programmes and home education sessions.

These sessions are held across Oldham, including at the OBA Millennium Cultural Centre, The Crossley Centre and Sholver and Moorside Community Centre.

Project manager Shaf, said: “I'm involved in charity work because I believe every child and young person deserves a safe, welcoming place where they can be active, build confidence, and feel they belong—regardless of their background or circumstances.”

He added: “It's something I'm genuinely passionate about. Together with our trustees, we are committed to removing barriers that prevent people from accessing opportunities and creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.”

Regarding activities on offer, Joanne Price, a parent, said: "We’ve been attending Home Education PE sessions now for around 10 months and my child loves it.

“It’s such a friendly, welcoming place and the children clearly respect Shaf and his team. My little boy thinks the world of him.

“Although we live half an hour away, it’s always worth the drive for him to experience and learn about a variety of sports and games,” she said.

This summer, the charity will be delivering the Fun & Fuel Summer Holiday Club at Sholver and Moorside Community Centre.

The programme will run until 4 September, offering four days of activities each week which will include the popular roller-skating club.

Since launching, Skate Zone has been enjoyed by over 500 children and young people, helping participants improve their balance, coordination and confidence while enjoying a unique activity.

Malakai, a participant in Skate Zone, said the sessions are his favourite especially when playing nerf on skates.

The funding was awarded through the #iwill Fund, which supports projects that encourage young people to take part in activities that benefit their communities.