THE recently-formed integrated health and social care organisation Oldham Cares is once again inviting residents and communities to come forward with their suggestions as the applications to receive Fast Grants reopen.

With amounts available from £50 to £500, this funding - designed to bring communities together - could be spent on anything from encouraging local communities to be fit and healthy to running a Play Street activity in neighbourhoods.

More than 70 community organisations have already received grants since the scheme first started in September, 2018.

Successful projects include an East meets West dress making course run by the Fatima Women’s Group and the building of a Chinese dragon for Spotlight Theatre’s next production – Aladdin.

Breathe Easy, a support and advice group for people with breathing difficulties, was also awarded a grant to continue to communicate with their members.

And it was time for tea and celebration for Chadderton Together after they were awarded a Fast Grant to continue running tea dances for older adults at Chadderton Town Hall – a lifeline for residents who enjoy socialising with new friends.

Cllr Zahid Chauhan, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We’ve already had some really good success stories come from this funding and we want this to continue.

“These funds are available for the benefit of Oldham, so if you have an idea on how you could improve your area, we would love to hear from you. The application form will only take five minitues of your time to fill out, so what are you waiting for?”

The Fast Grants have again been made available through the Thriving Communities programme which focuses on building on the strengths that already exist within our communities.

Applicants can apply for a Fast Grant by visiting www.oldhamcares.com/fast-grants or by emailing thriving.communities@oldhamcares.com if you have a question about the fund.

Fast Grants will be awared throughout the year and applications will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis.