The Salvation Army is celebrating Oldham's community spirit thanks to the support it receives throughout the year from an army of volunteers.

More than 50 roles are taken up by volunteers offering their time for free to the church and charity ensuring that the vital services that it offers people across the Oldham district can continue and the team are being celebrated this volunteers’ week.

The Salvation Army, which has churches and community centres located on Fitton Hill and Roundthorn Road in Oldham and Oldham Road in Failsworth, has seen an increase in the need for helpers in recent months,

This is due to the continued struggle in the cost-of-living with, more people in the borough seeking help and being pushed into poverty.

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Kim Rogers, community engagement co-ordinator at The Salvation Army in Oldham Fitton Hill said: “Volunteers form a very special part of our church and our programme and we’re so thankful to all of them, the support they provide is fantastic and we simply couldn’t continue to do our work within the community without them.

“Volunteering isn’t just about helping out; it is about being an active and integral part of an organisation. Our volunteers bring ideas that inspire and challenge us to be better, making a real difference to everyone and allowing us to support more people in Oldham and the wider area.”

Each week, volunteers provide support at the church and charity’s community centre in Oldham Fitton Hill through the community cafe, parent and toddler class, youth club, addictions support group, school holiday support programme and much more.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian church and registered charity which operates in 134 countries around the world.