Our Learning Disability Friends
We want Oldham to be an inclusive town where people with a learning disability and autistic people feel welcome and able to play an active part in their community.
Our Learning Disability Friends project aims to help community groups in Oldham to feel confident welcoming people with a learning disability and autistic people.
OPAL provides Learning Disability Friends with:
- an awareness session and information as well as ongoing support from OPAL.
- a pin and poster so people will know that you are part of the project
- promotion of your project/service through our website and social media feed
- introduction of prospective members for you group
If you are autistic and/or have a learning disability and would like to visit one of the groups below, we recommend that you contact the Learning Disability Friend before your first visit so that he or she is ready to welcome you to their group. Alternatively, you can contact OPAL and we can let them know you will be coming.
Interested in becoming a Learning Disability Friend?
If you would like to become a Learning Disability Friend, please contact Neil on 0161 633 5544. For information about groups with LD friends who welcome people with a learning disability – see below
Action Together Volunteer Centre
Action Together Volunteer Centre
| Description | The Volunteer Centre team, within Action Together, work to promote and celebrate volunteering across Oldham. Our team offer support, information and guidance to residents on a wide range of volunteering opportunities. We work closely with hundreds of community, voluntary, faith and social enterprises and hold details of volunteer roles to offer a one stop shop for all things volunteering. We can help you make an informed choice before you embark on your volunteer journey, offering lots of local and up to date information. Feel free to phone to make a confidential, informal appointment with Alishia or Uzma! |
| Days/times
| Monday – Friday 9:30am – 4:30pm |
| Price
| Free |
| Address
| Action Together Unit 12 Manchester Chambers West Street OL1 1LF |
| Public transport
| Short walk from Oldham Central bus station, Oldham Central tram stop and King Street tram stop |
| Telephone number
| 0161 339 2345 |
| Other info
| Website: www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteer/search-for-opportunities |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Alishia Ross, Uzma Khaliq |
CALM (Come and Let's Meet)
CALM
| Description | CALM is a friendship group meeting in the church lounge on Monday afternoons. Have a chat, enjoy a cup of tea and biscuits. All welcome. | |
| Days/times
| Every Monday 2pm – 3pm | |
| Price
| Free | |
| Address
| Roman Road Independent Methodist Church 38 Hedges Street, off Roman Road Failsworth M35 9JR | |
| Public transport
|
| |
| Telephone number
| 0161 682 4761 | |
| Other info
| Church website: www.romanroadimchurch.org.uk Church email: office@romanroadimchurch.org.uk | |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Dorothy Kendrick |
Take a Break
CALM
| Description | CALM is a friendship group meeting in the church lounge on Monday afternoons. Have a chat, enjoy a cup of tea and biscuits. All welcome. | |
| Days/times
| Every Monday 2pm – 3pm | |
| Price
| Free | |
| Address
| Roman Road Independent Methodist Church 38 Hedges Street, off Roman Road Failsworth M35 9JR | |
| Public transport
|
| |
| Telephone number
| 0161 682 4761 | |
| Other info
| Church website: www.romanroadimchurch.org.uk Church email: office@romanroadimchurch.org.uk | |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Dorothy Kendrick |
Chadderton Park Steppers Walking Group
Chadderton Park Steppers
| Description | Join us for a walk in the local area followed by a friendly chat and a brew! |
| Days/times
| Every Sunday at 10am |
| Price
| Free |
| Address
| Chadderton Park sports club house Bottom of Kiln Lane OL1 2RR |
| Public transport
| Closest bus stop: Chadderton Hall Park on Chadderton Hall Road Services: 412 and 795 |
| Telephone number
| Helen: 0786 122 6373 |
| Other info
| Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ChaddertonParkSteppers Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/856548221176044 |
| Learning Disability Friend
| Helen Grochowina |
Holy Trinity Place of Welcome
Holy Trinity Place of Welcome
| Description | You’re invited to join us for a chat, a snack and a hot drink. Everyone is welcome, it’s all completely free and you can come as often as you like |
| Days/times
| Every Wednesday: 1:30pm – 3:00pm |
| Price
| Free |
| Address
| Holy Trinity Church 46 Godson Street (on the corner of Crompton Street) OL1 2DB |
| Public transport
| The 412 bus stops directly outside on Godson Street Closest tram stop: Westwood 0.6 miles away
|
| Telephone number
| Holy Trinity Vicarage: 0161 759 3936 |
| Other info
| Holy Trinity Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/holytrinitycoldhurst Find out more about the Places of Welcome network: https://www.placesofwelcome.org.uk/ |
| Learning Disability Friend
| Reverend David Austin |
Holy Trinity Sunday Service
Holy Trinity Sunday Service
| Description | Holy Trinity is the Parish Church of Coldhurst. It is a fun and family friendly church that welcomes all. We offer Communion and kids activities weekly. All those who receive Communion at their Churches are welcome to receive Holy Communion – or come to the front holding a book for a Blessing. The second Sunday of every month is the Family Service, and is adapted to be easier to understand. |
| Days/times
| Every Sunday from 11am Family service is the second Sunday of every month from 11am |
| Price
| Free. Donations welcome |
| Address
| Holy Trinity Church 46 Godson Street (on the corner of Crompton Street) OL1 2DB |
| Public transport
| The 412 bus stops directly outside on Godson Street Closest tram stop: Westwood 0.6 miles away
|
| Telephone number
| Holy Trinity Vicarage: 0161 759 3936 |
| Other info
| Hymn Requests – if you would like to dedicate a special hymn to be included in the Service on a Sunday please see Father Nick. A donation of at least £5.00 is required. Holy Trinity Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/holytrinitycoldhurst |
| Learning Disability Friend
| Reverend David Austin |
IF Oldham
IF Oldham
| Description | If you live around the Chadderton area, and have an idea for an activity that you would like to take part in, you can get in touch with IF Oldham and they will help you set up a group. |
| Days/times
| Times will be arranged to suit you |
| Price
| Free |
| Address
| Location of group to be organised with you |
| Public transport
| N/A |
| Telephone number
| If you would like OPAL to talk to IF Oldham for you, please contact us on 0161 633 5544, or call Daisy direct on 0752 356 6020 |
| Other info
| Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ifoldham/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ifOldham |
| Learning Disability Friend
| Daisy Cowley, Clair Hilton, Tracey Kall |
Mills Hill Activity Group
Mills Hill Activity Group
| Description | Join in with activities, such as knitting, quizzes and wordsearches, or just come for a chat and a brew! Most people who come are over 60, but younger adults are also welcome |
| Days/times
| Fortnightly on a Monday 2pm – 3:30 pm (next few dates: 9th September, 23rd September, 7th October, 21st October, 4th November, 18th November, 2nd December, 16th December) |
| Price
| £2 donation |
| Address
| Mills Hill Community Hall Mills Hill Road Middleton M24 2FD |
| Public transport
| The 419 and 788 buses stop outside on Mills Hill Road
|
| Telephone number
| Church office: 0161 637 1511 |
| Other info
| Church website: www.millshillbaptistchurch.org Church email: millshillbaptist@gmail.com |
| Learning Disability Friend
| Ruth Pate |
Mills Hill Leisure Group
Mills Hill Leisure Group
| Description | Come and join us for visiting speakers and social events! Most people who come are over 60 but we welcome younger adults as well. |
| Days/times
| Fortnightly on a Monday 2pm – 3:30 pm (next few dates: 2nd September, 16th September, 30th September, 14th October, 28th October, 11th November, 25th November) |
| Price
| £2 donation |
| Address
| Mills Hill Community Hall Mills Hill Road Middleton M24 2FD |
| Public transport
| The 419 and 788 buses stop outside on Mills Hill Road
|
| Telephone number
| Church office: 0161 637 1511 |
| Other info
| Church website: www.millshillbaptistchurch.org Church email: millshillbaptist@gmail.com |
Mills Hill Sunday Service
| Mills Hill Sunday Service | |
| Description | We meet together every Sunday at 10.45 am. We pray, listen to the Bible, hear a talk, sing some great songs – and enjoy coffee and a chat afterwards Everyone is together for the first part of the service then the children and young people go to their different activities. |
| Days/times
| Every Sunday; 10:45am – 12:15pm |
| Price
| Free |
| Address
| Mills Hill Baptist Church Mills Hill Road Middleton M24 2FD |
| Public transport
| The 419 and 788 buses stop outside on Mills Hill Road
|
| Telephone number
| 0161 637 1511 |
| Other info
| Church website: www.millshillbaptistchurch.org Church email: millshillbaptist@gmail.com |
Minecraft Club
Minecraft Club
| Description | Join in the fun at our weekly Minecraft session every Wednesday during term time from 5pm until 6pm. Each week we have a different challenge for people to take part in ranging from quick builds to problem solving.We also have our own survival server, which is open to guests during the session, and available to members at all times. Here you can explore the environment, go on adventures or just settle down and build a house. |
| Days/times | Every Wednesday during term; 5pm – 6pm |
| Price | £2 donation |
| Address | Hack Oldham 38 – 44 Yorkshire Street OL1 1SE |
| Public transport | Closest bus stop: St Mary’s Way: services 58, 59, 180, 184, 7750.2 miles from Oldham Central tram stop |
| Telephone number | 0161 627 2539 |
| Other info | Website: www.hackoldham.com Membership of Hack Oldham costs £5 per month and gains you free access to all their groups |
| Learning Disability Friend | Lisa Marie Gee |
NEON Citizens Advice Drop-in
NEON Citizens Advice Drop-in
| Description | Citizens Advice Oldham provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on issues such as benefits, work, debt and money, family, housing and health. |
| Days/times | Drop-in every Wednesday 9am–12pm and 1pm-3pm |
| Price | Free |
| Address | NEON Hub Holt Street Greenacres OL4 2DQ |
| Public transport | These buses stop a short walk away on Huddersfield Road: 350, 410, 411, 558 803, 836, 839, 865 |
| Telephone number | Landline: 0161 770 4589 Mobile: 0730 557 0202 |
| Other info | Hot drinks are available for 50p NEON website: www.neonoldham.co.uk Email: neonhub@virginmedia.com Local Citizens Advice website: www.casort.org |
| Learning Disability Friend | There are lots of Learning Disability Friends at NEON. If you contact NEON or OPAL (0161 633 5544) before your visit we can tell you who will be there to greet you. |
NEON Double Exposure Camera Club
NEON Double Exposure Camera Club
| Description | Each week we try a new activity to try and improve our photography skills. In the past we have learnt how to take portraits, got wet with water photography and even tried light bending. Currently we are trying to master the art of photoshop. Our members range from some really good photographers to complete beginners, all with one aim – to improve at their hobby in an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere. Whatever your level of expertise, type of equipment, or particular photographic interests, you will be very welcome at our meetings. You don’t even have to own a camera to become a member; just have an interest in photography! |
| Days/times | Thursdays 7pm – 10pm |
| Price | Free |
| Address | NEON Hub Holt Street Greenacres OL4 2DQ |
| Public transport | These buses stop a short walk away on Huddersfield Road: 350, 410, 411, 558 803, 836, 839, 865 |
| Telephone number | Landline: 0161 770 4589 Mobile: 07305 570 202 |
| Other info | Hot drinks are available for 50p NEON website: www.neonoldham.co.uk Email: neonhub@virginmedia.com Local Citizens Advice website: www.casort.org |
| Learning Disability Friend | There are lots of Learning Disability Friends at NEON. If you contact NEON or OPAL (0161 633 5544) before your visit we can tell you who will be there to greet you. |
NEON Early Help Drop-in
NEON Early Help Drop-in
| Description | Free help for you and your family. Do you or a family member need practical help to support you to take control of your life? Do you and your family have difficulties such as housing, money, parenting, confidence, job seeking, or want to improve an area of your life? We can provide you with an allocated Engagement Worker to help you develop the skills to help yourself. There are different levels of support available depending on your needs. |
| Days/times | Wednesdays 12:30pm – 4:30pm |
| Price | Free |
| Address | NEON Hub Holt Street Greenacres OL4 2DQ |
| Public transport | These buses stop a short walk away on Huddersfield Road: 350, 410, 411, 558 803, 836, 839, 865 |
| Telephone number | Landline: 0161 770 4589 Mobile: 0730 557 0202 |
| Other info | Hot drinks are available for 50p NEON website: www.neonoldham.co.uk NEON email: neonhub@virginmedia.com |
| Learning Disability Friend | There are lots of Learning Disability Friends at NEON. If you contact NEON or OPAL (0161 633 5544) before your visit we can tell you who will be there to greet you. |
NEON Fabulous Brunch
The Fabulous Brunch
| Description | Join us for a tasty, free sociable brunch every Friday. No need to book. Just come down! |
| Days/times | Fridays 10:30am – 12:30pm |
| Price | Free |
| Address | NEON Hub Holt Street Greenacres OL4 2DQ |
| Public transport | These buses stop a short walk away on Huddersfield Road: 350, 410, 411, 558 803, 836, 839, 865 |
| Telephone number | Landline: 0161 770 4589 Mobile: 07305 570 202 |
| Other info | Your first brew is free! Extra brews are 50p each NEON website: www.neonoldham.co.uk NEON email: neonhub@virginmedia.com |
| Learning Disability Friend | There are lots of Learning Disability Friends at NEON. If you contact NEON or OPAL (0161 633 5544) before your visit we can tell you who will be there to greet you. |
NEON Knit and Chat
NEON Knit and Chat
| Description | We are a lively group who like to knit, chat and have a brew. Refreshments are available and materials are supplied. Everybody is welcome and the group contains men and women of all ages |
| Days/times | Every Monday (excluding bank holidays) 10:30am – 12:30pm |
| Price | Free |
| Address | NEON Hub Holt Street Greenacres OL4 2DQ |
| Public transport | These buses stop a short walk away on Huddersfield Road: 350, 410, 411, 558 803, 836, 839, 865 |
| Telephone number | Landline: 0161 770 4589 Mobile: 07305 570 202 |
| Other info | Hot drinks are available for 50p NEON website: www.neonoldham.co.uk NEON email: neonhub@virginmedia.com |
| Learning Disability Friend | There are lots of Learning Disability Friends at NEON. If you contact NEON or OPAL (0161 633 5544) before your visit we can tell you who will be there to greet you. |
NEON Men's Group
NEON Men’s Group
| Description | The Men’s Group was set up to address the needs of socially isolated or lonely men. Unlike many women, men have difficulty expressing their feelings, worries and issues. The group aims to address these in an open and free environment without judgment. We try to provide a way in which men can support each other and develop greater self-esteem, become less isolated, more active and physical and mentally healthy.Activities have included trips to Chester, Manchester and Ashton; healthy cooking and eating classes; Tai Chi classes; art as therapy class; pitch and putt golf; talks from MIND and a drugs counsellor. |
| Days/times | Every Tuesday 12pm – 2pm |
| Price | Free |
| Address | NEON Hub Holt Street Greenacres OL4 2DQ |
| Public transport | These buses stop a short walk away on Huddersfield Road: 350, 410, 411, 558 803, 836, 839, 865 |
| Telephone number | Steve: 0786 805 4700 |
| Other info | Hot drinks are available for 50p NEON phone numbers: 0161 770 4589; 07305 570 202 NEON website: www.neonoldham.co.uk NEON email: neonhub@virginmedia.com |
| Learning Disability Friend | There are lots of Learning Disability Friends at NEON. If you contact NEON or OPAL (0161 633 5544) before your visit we can tell you who will be there to greet you. |
Oldham Photoholics
| Oldham Photoholics | |
| Description | We’re a friendly group of photographers from complete beginners to professionals. We welcome new members who are interested in learning, practicing and sharing all types of photography – and having fun, of course. Contact robert@studiog-oldham.co.uk for details of each meeting. And check out our Facebook group Oldham Photoholics. |
| Days/times
| First Wednesday of every month; 7pm – 9pm |
| Price
| £2 donation |
| Address
| Hack Oldham 38 – 44 Yorkshire Street Oldham OL1 1SE |
| Public transport
| Closest bus stop: St Mary’s Way: services 58, 59, 180, 184, 775 0.2 miles from Oldham Central tram stop
|
| Telephone number
| 0161 627 2539 |
| Other info
| Website: www.hackoldham.com Social media: facebook.com/HackOldham; twitter.com/HackOldham Membership of Hack Oldham costs £5 per month and gains you free access to all their groups |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Lisa Marie Gee, Robert Cragg |
Saint Stephens and All Martyrs Sunday Service
| St Stephen and All Martyrs Sunday Service | |
| Description | Parish church offering friendship and support within a family-friendly and traditional Church service. We are non-judgemental and take people as we find them …God does the rest. Try out our Sunday 9.30am service to see if we are your cuppa tea /coffee. |
| Days/times
| Every Sunday 9:30am – 10:30am |
| Price
| Free. Donations welcome |
| Address
| St Stephens and All Martyrs Church Thames Street Lower Moor OL1 3QU |
| Public transport
| The 411 bus stops nearby on Thames Street The 58, 59 and 879 stop nearby on Shaw Road |
| Telephone number
| 0161 759 3936 |
| Other info
| Please dress for comfort – especially in the colder weather as our heating is overhead only Church Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SSAMOldham |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Reverend David Austin |
Saturday Social
Saturday Social
| Description | You are invited to join us to chat, to socialise and to have fun! |
| Days/times
| Last Saturday of every month 6-9pm |
| Price
| Free |
| Address
| Wrexham Close Hollinwood OL8 4SQ |
| Public transport
| Buses stopping 0.2 miles away at Manchester Road (Stop B): 83, 149, 159, 833, 893 Buses stopping 0.2 miles away at ‘Tenby Road’ stop on Hollins Road: 180, 184, 396, 849 |
| Telephone number
| Please contact OPAL on 0161 633 5544 if you are thinking of going |
| Other info
| You may want to bring money to buy drinks and snacks |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Elizabeth Knott, Janice Bunting |
Sholver and Moorside Armchair Exercises
| Sholver and Moorside Armchair Exercises | |
| Description | Keep fit from the comfort of a chair! Everybody welcome. Sitting exercises are particularly useful for people with limited mobility. |
| Days/times
| Fortnightly on a Tuesday; 12:30pm – 1:15pm Next few dates: 3rd September, 17th September, 1st October, 15th October, 29th October, 5th Novermber |
| Price
| Free |
| Address
| Sholver and Moorside Community Centre Sholver Lane OL1 4NT |
| Public transport
| The 83 bus stops a short walk away on Longfellow Crescent |
| Telephone number
| Please contact OPAL on 0161 633 5544 if you want us to tell the centre you are going |
| Other info
| Website: www.sholvercommunitycentre.co.uk/ There are lots of other activities going on at Sholver on a Tuesday. Come along for a coffee and a chat. Food is available for a small price at lunchtime. |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Rose Johnstone |
Sholver and Moorside Basic Computer Class
| Sholver and Moorside Basic Computer Class | |
| Description | This is a great chance for beginners to learn computer skills with someone who can talk to you and help you with anything you are having trouble with |
| Days/times
| Every Tuesday 1pm – 3pm |
| Price
| Free |
| Address
| Sholver and Moorside Community Centre Sholver Lane OL1 4NT |
| Public transport
| The 83 bus stops a short walk away on Longfellow Crescent |
| Telephone number
| Please contact OPAL on 0161 633 5544 if you want us to tell the centre you are going |
| Other info
| Website: www.sholvercommunitycentre.co.uk/ There are lots of other activities going on at Sholver on a Tuesday. Come along for a coffee and a chat. Food is available for a small price at lunchtime. |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Rose Johnstone |
Sholver and Moorside Early Help Drop-in with Debbie
| Sholver and Moorside Early Help Drop-in with Debbie | |
| Description | Free help for you and your family. Do you or a family member need practical help to support you to take control of your life? Do you and your family have difficulties such as housing, money, parenting, confidence, looking for work or want to improve an area of your life? Early Help can provide you with an allocated Engagement Worker to help you develop the skills to help yourself. There are different levels of support available depending on your needs. |
| Days/times
| Every Tuesday: Drop-in between 10am – 1pm |
| Price
| Free |
| Address
| Sholver and Moorside Community Centre Sholver Lane OL1 4NT |
| Public transport
| The 83 bus stops a short walk away on Longfellow Crescent |
| Telephone number
| Please contact OPAL on 0161 633 5544 if you want us to tell the centre you are going |
| Other info
| Website: www.sholvercommunitycentre.co.uk/ There are lots of other activities going on at Sholver on a Tuesday. Come along for a coffee and a chat. Food is available for a small price at lunchtime. |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Rose Johnstone |
Sholver and Moorside First Choice Homes Drop-in
| Sholver and Moorside First Choice Homes Drop-in | |
| Description | This is a chance to speak to someone about any financial problems or issues with benefits you might be having. Please note: this is not a drop-in to discuss repairs or housing. This is about YOU! |
| Days/times
| Every Tuesday: Drop-in between 10am – 12 noon |
| Price
| Free |
| Address
| Sholver and Moorside Community Centre Sholver Lane OL1 4NT |
| Public transport
| The 83 bus stops a short walk away on Longfellow Crescent |
| Telephone number
| Please contact OPAL on 0161 633 5544 if you want us to tell the centre you are going |
| Other info
| Website: www.sholvercommunitycentre.co.uk/ There are lots of other activities going on at Sholver on a Tuesday. Come along for a coffee and a chat. Food is available for a small price at lunchtime. |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Rose Johnstone |
Sholver and Moorside Gardening Group
Sholver and Moorside Gardening Group
| Description | Learn to garden, make friends and help us to keep the land around our centre looking beautiful… All at the same time! |
| Days/times
| Every Tuesday; 12pm – 2pm |
| Price
| Free |
| Address
| Sholver and Moorside Community Centre Sholver Lane OL1 4NT |
| Public transport
| The 83 bus stops a short walk away on Longfellow Crescent |
| Telephone number
| Please contact OPAL on 0161 633 5544 if you want us to tell the centre you are going |
| Other info
| Website: www.sholvercommunitycentre.co.uk/ There are lots of other activities going on at Sholver on a Tuesday. Come along for a coffee and a chat. Food is available for a small price at lunchtime. |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Rose Johnstone |
Sholver and Moorside: Oldham Foodbank
| Sholver and Moorside: Oldham Foodbank | |
| Description | We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. |
| Days/times
| Every Tuesday: Drop-in between 10am – 1pm |
| Price
| To receive food, you will need a foodbank voucher. These are issued by voucher-holding agencies like OPAL (0161 633 5544). Vouchers are only issued in crisis situations. OPAL can help support you to address the reasons behind the crisis. |
| Address
| Sholver and Moorside Community Centre Sholver Lane OL1 4NT |
| Public transport
| The 83 bus stops a short walk away on Longfellow Crescent |
| Telephone number
| Please contact OPAL on 0161 633 5544 if you want us to tell the centre you are going |
| Other info
| Website: www.sholvercommunitycentre.co.uk/ There are lots of other activities going on at Sholver on a Tuesday. Come along for a coffee and a chat. Food is available for a small price at lunchtime. |
| Learning Disability Friends
| Rose Johnstone |
Stitch and Share
Stitch and Share
| Description |
| |
| Days/times
|
| |
| Price
| Please make a donation | |
| Address
| St Paul’s Church Broadway Street (Just off Ashton Road) OL8 1LD | |
| Public transport
| Closest bus stop: ‘Broadway Street’ on Ashton Road: services 409, 425, 775 and 824 | |
| Telephone number
| Please contact OPAL on 0161 633 5544 if you are thinking of going | |
| Other info
| PLEASE NOTE: STITCH AND SHARE DOES NOT TAKE PLACE DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. THE NEXT MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON 18TH SEPTEMBER You may want to bring some lunch to eat during the break | |
| Learning Disability Friend | Gina Andrewes |