Luncheon clubs which support older people across the borough will come to an end in four weeks following a loss of council funding.

Older and vulnerable residents regularly attend Age UK Oldham's lunch clubs for entertainment, a three-course meal, activities and the chance to socialise every week for just £5.50.

Quizzes, bingo, exercise, singing and parties over the festive period and other special occasions have proved a hit among the borough's elderly who attend the clubs.

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Age UK started the service to combat social isolation and has weekly meet-ups in Royton, Lees, Chadderton, Hathershaw, Shaw, Failsworth and Greenfield.

The aim of the club is to combat social isolation among the borough's elderly.

However, the luncheon clubs will close this September, in just four weeks' time following a cut in funding from the council.

The local authority and Age UK have said they have been working "really hard together with the aim of luncheon clubs becoming self-sustaining".

The charity fought off a similar situation last year and was saved in a U-turn decision from the local authority, which extended funding for the lunch clubs up until September this year.

The council encouraged Age UK to find "an alternative suitable model" and explore its own funding options.

However, the charity has been unable to secure the alternative funds, meaning it has to close its lunch clubs.

A resident, who takes their 94-year-old mother to the weekly lunch club in Royton, claimed Age UK made the announcement to family earlier this week and that the charity had "tried everything possible to keep the club going".

The anonymous family member added: "When the club closes the majority of these members will not have the pleasure of meeting their friends for a meal and friendly chat.

"How sad when they have worked so hard all their lives and this little bit of weekly enjoyment is so cruelly snatched away."

A volunteer for the lunch club claimed Age UK tried to secure lottery funding but was refused.

In a joint statement from Cllr Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for adults, health and wellbeing, and Yvonne Lee, chief executive officer of Age UK Oldham, the pair said: “Oldham Council and Age UK Oldham have worked really hard together with the aim of luncheon clubs becoming self-sustaining and able to provide an inclusive service to residents across the borough.

“In September 2022, cabinet members agreed to a 12-month interim funding arrangement, which allowed time for Age UK to find an alternative sustainable model.

“During this period, Age UK were unsuccessful in securing alternative funding, so the council provided further extensions to this funding until September of this year, while conversations about their future operating models continued.

“Despite the joint work undertaken the luncheon clubs will close in September 2024, during this time the council and Age UK Oldham continue to work closely together on how best they can move forward to ensure older people receive the support they require.”

How will you or your loved one be affected by this closure? Let me know and send me your news to Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk