Across all departments, Oldham College learners are making meaningful contributions to the community and beyond by taking part in Social Action Projects. 

So far this academic year, hundreds of learners have completed 4,887 hours towards a range of worthwhile courses – with the total increasing week by week. 

This has included: 

• Helping to transform Royton Linear Park through path laying, creating a sensory garden and uplifting a disused space with a colourful mural 
• Crocheting ‘Blankets of Kindness’ for children in Nakuru, Kenya 
• Visiting the City of Trees project to plant trees and learn more about sustainability
• Leading a winter collection appeal in support of Spark Oldham 
• Holding a college-wide Christmas shoebox appeal, where an incredible 220 shoeboxes filled with stationery, toiletries and toys were collected and donated to non-profit organisation Teams4U. 

Some of the projects have taken place closer to college. For example, 62 learners contributed to our Christmas Market in December, which helped to raise £1,200 for NorthCare Charity’s Sunshine Appeal. 

These projects not only help learners to refine skills such as teamwork and communication, but also discover passions, explore their creativity and make a real difference to the lives of people in Oldham and beyond. 

One Carpentry and Joinery learner who has taken part in a project at Royton Linear Park said: “I really enjoyed getting out of class and getting hands-on work experience. The work I’ve done will make the park more aesthetic and welcoming.” 

Tameside, Oldham, Glossop & Stockport (TOGS) Mind are currently working with some of our Media learners, who are providing support with social media, marketing publications and idea generating. They said: “The students have a clear understanding of our aims as a local mental health service, and the important aspect of reducing any stigma and worries about accessing help – we really value their support.”