THE popular youth zone Oldham will be reopening from Monday - and an appeal has been launched to keep the venue on track.

Doors will be open at Mahdlo, in Egerton Street, for the first time since the lockdown began.

But supporters of the charitable concern are asking members to give them a helping hand by observing social distancing, where required, and using hand sanitisers where they can.

A Mahdlo spokesman said: "The lockdown and pandemic have brought the most difficult times we’ve known. But many of our members have also experienced moments of happiness.

"Mahdlo has reached out to every single one of our members with more than 4,000 wellbeing phone calls made, reached thousands more through our Virtual Mahdlo offer on social media, made more than 300 visits to the homes of young people, dropping off activity packs, food parcels, and providing front line responses to safeguarding concerns, mental health and wellbeing issues, and supporting families through the lockdown.

"We have been, and always will be a beacon of hope and aspiration, supporting young people to be the very best they can be. However, now we need your help.

"Not being able to fundraise is having a devastating impact on our much-loved youth zone and our offer to young people.

"We’re heading towards a shortfall of income in excess of £250k by the end of 2020 – this has and will continue to put financial constraints on the charity and what we can deliver.

"We will not cut corners when it comes to delivering the best for our young people. We will not give up on supporting our community in any way we can. But we cannot do this without your help."

Claire Crossfield, the youth zone's fundraising manager, is returning to work and is co-ordinating efforts.

She will be working part-time Tuesdays and Wednesdays for ow so anyone with any ideas for events can e-mail her at Claire.Crossfield@mahdloyz.org