Hundreds of free Easter eggs to be handed to Oldham kids

The heart-warming initiative from Oldham Council and partner organisation Muse proves that the town is like one giant family, according to the authority’s leader.

It comes as the same children will also get to enjoy 10 free activities at local leisure centres.

Coun Arooj Shah, leader of the authority, said: “We know the cost of living is hitting everyone hard in their pockets, especially for families living in temporary accommodation.

“It’s why we’ve worked with one of our partners to give a little Easter cheer to almost 700 children who haven’t got a permanent roof over their heads.

“We often talk about Oldham being one family and this Easter gift shows we mean it. I’d like give huge thanks to Muse for supporting our campaign to help the less fortunate children in the borough.”

All smiles! Right to left: Cllr Arooj Shah, Emma Dickson, Paul Taylor of Access Oldham, and Oldham Council's engagement officer Chris Brown (Image: Oldham Council)

Project manager at Muse, Emma Payne, added: “We are delighted to be supporting the council’s Easter egg initiative to bring a smile to the young people of Oldham this Easter.

“We look forward to supporting the council with even more initiatives as our partnership grows and develops.”

Meanwhile, children living in temporary accommodation can claim free activity sessions at all of Oldham’s leisure centres that were offered previously.

In addition to the Easter treats, children between the ages of five and 16 on benefits-related free school meals will also have access to a host of fantastic events across the borough as part of an upcoming Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

With everything from karate, yoga and archery, to soft play sessions, craft workshops and coding classes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the off-school period, with activities starting from April 1 and lasting for two weeks.