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Why there are no local elections in Oldham this year
 
Just a reminder that there won’t be any local elections in Oldham in 2025, and the next election is due to take place on May 7, 2026 - and this is why.
 
This is because Oldham Council follows a system where each ward has three councillors, and each councillor serves a four-year term. Every fourth year no local elections take place, known as a fallow year, and 2025 is one of these years.
 
So don't worry in case you were wondering, you haven't missed receiving your poll card or postal vote.

 

[Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, and the Aftercare Team with the donations ]

Easter was eggstra special in Oldham this year – and it’s all thanks to you
 
After a shout-out on social media, the community came through in the sweetest way possible.
 
Asda kicked things off with 24 Easter eggs, and soon we had a cracking 180 eggs collected for care leavers across the borough.
 
So sending a huge thanks to everyone who donated, your kindness made a real difference. 

 

[A child in a striped multi-coloured jumper wearing a bunny hat with a giant fluffy bunny at the Spindles]

Thanks to everyone who hopped down to the Spindles on Good Friday 
 
The Kids Club had crafts, face painting, arcade games and even a visit from the Easter Bunny.
 
Missed it? Don’t worry, the Kids Club is back for more fun on Saturday 17 May.
 
From 12-4pm there will be face painting, crafts and arcade games as well as a visit from the centre mascot Shopping Susie.
 
It’s all free and you can just turn up and join in!

 

[A little girl having the spot prepped on her arm before her MMR jab]

Help to protect yourself and your community with the MMR vaccine 
 
Measles is currently circulating in Oldham. We have a number of confirmed cases, and the majority of these cases are in babies under the age of one. All required actions have been taken to protect the residents of Oldham. 

Measles is a very infectious disease that can lead to serious complications or even death. It is easy to catch and spreads quickly and easily. People can catch measles at any age and one in five people with measles will need to go to hospital. Unvaccinated young children and pregnant woman are at the highest risk of severe measles complications. 

Children under one year old have not yet had the opportunity to have an MMR vaccine, and we can protect them by ensuring measles is not circulating in our community. The only way to do this is to have everyone who is old enough to be vaccinated receive their two doses of the MMR vaccine.
 
The vaccine is safe and can be given at any age, even if you have had it before. You can also ask for an MMR vaccination which does not contain ingredients like gelatin if you wish.

What to do next: 
•    Check whether you and your children have had the vaccine
•    Your GP will be happy to help and arrange an appointment 
•    Be aware of the symptoms of measles and call your GP if you have any concerns.
 
The symptoms are:

- A prominent red rash is the most obvious symptom but often occurs later than other symptoms
-  A high temperature 
-  A runny or blocked nose 
-  Sneezing 
-  A cough 
-  Red, sore, watery eyes 
-  Small white spots inside the cheeks or on the back of the lips
More information about measles and the MMR vaccine is available at 
www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles

 

[A frowning child looks confrontationally into the camera]

Do you have children aged 2-9? A free workshop is here to help you 
 
Our Positive Parenting Triple P Discussion Group is a two-hour workshop for parents who need support with common behaviour problems including not listening, fighting, and aggression, and managing situations such as going on outings with children, mealtimes, and bedtimes. 
 
The next workshop will be held from 9.30-11.30am on Tuesday 29 April 
at St Luke's Primary School, Albion Street, Chadderton, OL9 9HT.
 
To book please email [email protected]

 

[A vibrant image of a parent in a brightly coloured headscarf holding up a smiling dark-haired baby wearing a white and pink-patterned outfit with a red bow sash]([link removed])

Are you interested in joining a free baby bonding course this summer?
 
We want to hear from expectant parents and parents with newborns interested in joining our free Baby Bonding course.
 
The five-week course provides simple, gentle and playful activities to enjoy together.
 
To register your interest email [email protected] with the word 'MEDLOCK' or 'GREENFIELD' for your preferred venue and we will be in touch.  
For more info on all the activities and support available from our Family Hubs visit familyhubs.oldham.gov.uk

 

[Promotional banner for the webinar series "Thriving Through Change: Business Resilience for Early Years Providers." Features a child playing with colourful building blocks on the left, symbolizing early childhood development. Webinar details, logos of GM Business Growth Hub, UK Government, and GMCA are displayed on the right. The text includes "REGISTER NOW" and "Funded by UK Government." ]([link removed])

Thriving Through Change: Free webinar series for Early Years providers
 
Early Years business owners in Oldham, are you aware of the challenges and opportunities developing in your ever-evolving sector?
 
Join GM Business Growth Hub's Business Resilience for Early Years Providers webinar series to gain practical strategies, expert insights, and the latest innovative tools. Apply these to navigate the complex landscape, improve your business operations, and drive long-term success.
 
Each webinar will focus on key topics of running a thriving early years business, ensuring providers remain adaptable, compliant, and competitive in today's changing environment. Register for the entire series or select the sessions that interest you most.
 
Register now by clicking[here.]([link removed] )

 

[a smiling mum and child on the school run]

Let’s make the school run calmer, cleaner and healthier
 
The Easter break is over and it’s the perfect time to build healthy new habits 

Did you know? 87% of primary-aged children in Greater Manchester live within two kilometres of school. That’s around a 15 minute walk.

So why not walk the whole way, or park 5 minutes away & stroll the rest?

A short walk means big benefits:
•    Helps children focus better in class 
•    Cuts congestion at the school gates
•    Reduces pollution 
•    Saves money on fuel
•    Gets parents moving too

 

It's important to book in to see a midwife as soon as you're pregnant 
 
There's a lot to consider when getting ready for your baby’s birth. From understanding the different tests and vaccinations available, to knowing what to eat and what not to eat during pregnancy, it’s important to have all the information you need to make informed decisions to keep you and your baby well.
 
The best way to do that is to book in to see a midwife before 10 weeks of pregnancy, midwifes can talk you through everything you need to know, answer any questions you may have and offer support. 
 
The best place to find out how to book an appointment with a midwife in Greater Manchester, is by visiting the As Soon As You’re Pregnant website. There’s key information on there about: 

- Booking an appointment with a midwife: how and where to do that depending on where in Greater Manchester you live.
- Early Pregnancy: including stopping smoking, what not to eat, vitamins and drinking alcohol.
- Screening: including key information on sickle cell and thalassaemia as well as information about further screening offered in pregnancy.
- Vaccinations in pregnancy: flu, RSV and whooping cough information

To visit the website click [here.]([link removed])

 

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