Oldham foodbank moves into home after years of turmoil

Lisa Gill and Gemma Blackhurst, the founders of Breaking the Waves Foundation, told The Oldham Times in 2022 that it was looking to move into larger and more stable premises that would help them meet the demand of the borough.

The charity was operating from the basement of Failsworth Town Hall which the pair said was too small to handle the stock - and proved to be inaccessible for both volunteers and the hundreds of people who rely on their services.

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Volunteers at the foodbank (Image: Lisa Gill/Breaking the Waves Foundation)

The problem meant the foodbank could only open on limited days and restricted its remit within a two-mile radius of the town hall as a result.

The charity was then given a new, much larger premises within the Zion Baptist Church, which was gifted to them on a rent-free 10-year tenancy agreement by Ebenezer Baptist Church.

However, the team were unable to move in as the building was found to be riddled with asbestos, with removal quotes starting from £4,000.

Now, Breaking the Waves Foundation has announced that after many years of turmoil, they have been able to properly relocate.

The place was riddled with asbestos (Image: Lisa Gill/Breaking the Waves Foundation)

The building has had a "mini makeover" ahead of the big move.

The team said in a post on social media: "After approximately two years of sweat and tears we are pleased to say we have re-located to our future home.

"Our hard work has paid off, we finally have new premises that will allow the food bank to grow and support new clients in need of support.

"The postcode of the new premises is M350UG and we are located on Coronation Road in Failsworth, what was the Zion Baptist Church.

"If you are financially struggling, we are here to help.

"We ask upon your first visit you bring proof of address and income in order to assess your eligibility.

The place has had a well-needed makeover (Image: Lisa Gill/Breaking the Waves Foundation)

"We look forward to inviting the community into our home."

The new premises means the charity has extra space for more fridges and freezers, to increase its stock and donations, and means the community can come inside, chat with volunteers and collect food parcels in a more dignified way.

Its new opening hours are now Tuesdays, 4.30pm until 6pm, and Fridays, 1pm until 2.30pm.

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk