Real Change Oldham held its official launch event on Thursday 10 October to coincide with World Homeless Day. Held at Gallery Oldham, the event brought together homeless service providers, commissioners, partners including Jigsaw Support and local councilors.
Oldham Council Cllr Sean Fielding introduced the event before and cabinet member for Housing Cllr Hannah Roberts spoke about Real Change’s commitment to tackling homelessness. There was also some very powerful testimony from Steph and Nadia, two people with lived experience of homelessness who spoke with passion about the difference that services like Real Change can make.
Real Change Oldham acts as a central pot where people can make donations, big or small, to help people who are homeless. The money is then distributed to various services and used to help people off the streets or prevent them from ending up on the streets in the first place. Services include Jigsaw Support, Positive Steps, Turning Point UK and Oldham Street Angels.
It is used to buy things like a deposit for a property, identity documents needed for job applications, essential clothing items and toiletries.
You can watch a video about the service starring Oldham’s very own Clint Boon (Inspiral Carpets, XS Manchester Radio) here:
Jigsaw Support had a stall at the event where guests could spin the wheel and win a prize, which proved very popular with guests. All money raised went directly to Real Change Oldham.
To donate, visit https://realchangeoldham.co.uk/ Your small change could make a big difference.
Other ways you can get involved are:
- Follow them on Twitter – @OldhamReal
- Introduce Real Change to businesses/organisations you work with
- Invite your colleagues to their events
- Hold fundraisers
- Become an ambassador for Real Change
