A set of lunch clubs for the elderly in Oldham have been spared closure after they were seemingly threatened to be axed through a funding cut last week.

Elderly and vulnerable residents across the borough attend Age UK Oldham's regular lunch clubs, which ensure they are fed and entertained as they meet up to socialise and have fun every week.

But on Wednesday (July 26), an Age UK official made an announcement that adult services in Oldham would no longer receive any funding from the council as of October 1 this year.

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A concerned resident who attended the meeting said this meant all nine lunch clubs in the borough would be shut down in a matter of weeks.

A letter signed by the chief executive of Age UK Oldham, and seen by The Oldham Times, promised to work "extremely hard" to find alternative funding and stated the charity would be "challenging the decision" with Oldham Council.

Louise Crosby, who attends the weekly lunch club in Chadderton, said she was "profoundly disappointed" by the news.

Ms Crosby said: "It will have a devastating effect on the mental and physical well-being of so many vulnerable, elderly and disabled people where this is their only meaningful contact with others."

The woman said she first started going to the club after her friend was recommended to go by her GP and, armed with the support of another friend, the trio has been going ever since and "never looked back".

She continued: "These clubs are run by so many volunteers who make us welcome. Nothing is too much trouble for them.

"Not only do we get a three-course home-cooked nutritious lunch, but have a light-hearted quiz or some other activity - bingo, play your cards right - which usually ends in laughter."

Ms Crosby pleaded with the council not to "deprive us of this weekly event", saying that it "gives us so much enjoyment to us in our later years".

"I hope the powers that be will think carefully of the impact of ceasing this funding", she added.

The Royton and Crompton Over 60s Group also confirmed its users, who attend various luncheon clubs across Oldham, were told the council would be cutting funds to Age UK this autumn.

Janet Heap MBE, who organises the over-60s group, said the announcement of the decision had left people "devastated".

In a post on social media, the group added: "This is unbelievable as these luncheon clubs are so vital to the community. 

"They help people who are lonely, have dementia or have been scared to go back out after Covid.

"Most of the clients we know who go to these fantastic clubs might only get out once a week.

"They enjoy meeting friends and chatting, and it's great for their mood, mental health and well-being."

The post continued: "I always thought we were trying to expand, not diminish, groups our folks in their golden years and attend to help alleviate social isolation and loneliness.

"It would appear Oldham Council are not on the same page."

The group then said it hoped the council would "rethink" the decision and urged "whoever had passed this" to "stand up and explain the rationale behind it".

"It does not make sense.

"Let's hope Age UK can secure other funding."

However, when approached by The Oldham Times, Age UK Oldham said in a statement that the council has "now extended the funding" for another year and confirmed the clubs will no longer be closing.

In a joint statement from Councillor Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, and Yvonne Lee, chief executive of Age UK Oldham, they said: "We know there is some confusion and concern around the future of Age UK lunch clubs in Oldham, and we want to reassure people that the no decision on future funding has yet been taken.

"We are proposing that the council extends funding until the end of March next year, while Age UK continues to explore future funding options.

"In September 2022, Oldham Council’s Cabinet agreed to continue funding day services - which includes lunch clubs - provided by Age UK, until the end of September 2023, to allow time for an alternative sustainable model to be identified.

"Age UK have now informed the council that they have been unable to secure alternative funding.

"In light of this, the council is proposing to extend the funding, while conversations about future operating models are ongoing.

"We will now get on with finalising plans for the future."

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