Oldham Community Leisure centre is offering free showers to anyone who needs them as the cost-of-living crisis worsens.

The 10-minute shower slots will also include free shower gel and shampoo.

Oldham Active has launched its ‘Shower and Go’ scheme to provide hot showers for people within Oldham who may be struggling to heat their homes and heat hot water.

The new scheme follows the launch of Oldham Council’s Warm Banks initiative to create spaces for those who cannot afford to put the heating on.

ALSO READ: Oldham Council criticised for closing ‘warm banks’ on Sundays.

Shower and Go launches this month, with the scheme being available at five Oldham Active locations across Oldham.

The showers will be provided in 10-minute slots, with shower gel and shampoo provided too.

Stuart Lockwood, Oldham Active’s chief executive, said: “Having a warm shower and being able to get clean is a basic human right.

“As a not-for-profit charitable trust, it was important for us to be able to provide these facilities to people and families who may be struggling this autumn and winter.

“We support our community on a daily basis, and this is just an extension of our core values. Oldham Active is determined to support our local community during these difficult times, and we want to make sure nobody is left to suffer this winter.

“We will provide hot showers to those most vulnerable, treating them with respect, dignity and a warm welcome.

“Times are tough for everyone, but it is local residents on the lowest incomes who are feeling the brunt of rising prices the most.

“We have trained our staff to be on hand to help or to answer any questions people may have, and will be able to provide and signpost other warm and food bank schemes in the area.”

Huw Edwards, chief executive of UK Active, of which Oldham Active is a member, said: “This is another example of the support our nation’s gyms, pools and leisure centres provide in times of crisis, and a timely reminder that they are part of the social fabric of our communities.

“People need these facilities more than ever because they play an essential role in strengthening our physical and mental health, however, many are under threat of closure or service rationalisation due to the ongoing energy crisis.

“We want to see more targeted support from the Government so our sector can continue to help people to stay active and healthy.”

Full list and map of 'shower and go' locations

‘Shower and go’ will be available at five locations across the borough.

There is no need to book ahead – simply turn up.

Showers are available all day at three of the locations, but times vary at Failsworth Sports Centre and Radclyffe Athletics Centre.

Showers are available at:

  • Oldham Leisure Centre
  • Royton Leisure Centre
  • Saddleworth Pool & Leisure Centre
  • Failsworth Sports Centre – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6-7pm, Saturday & Sunday 3pm-5pm.
  • Radclyffe Athletics Centre – 6pm onwards.

Full list, map, and opening times of Oldham warm banks

A full list of the currently-announced warm banks.

Chadderton Library and Wellbeing Centre

Burnley Street, Chadderton, OL9 0JW

  • Monday to Thursday 9am – 8pm
  • Friday and Saturday 9am – 5pm

Crompton Library

Farrow Street East, Shaw, Oldham, OL2 8QY

  • Monday to Thursday, 9am – 7pm
  • Friday, 9am – 5pm
  • Saturday, 9.30am – 1pm

Delph Library

Millgate, Delph, Oldham, Lancashire OL3 5JG

  • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 2 – 5pm
  • Friday and Saturday 10am – 1pm

Failsworth Library

Oldham Road, Failsworth, M35 0FJ (in the Town Hall building)

  • Monday to Thursday 9am – 7pm
  • Friday 9am – 5pm
  • Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Fitton Hill Library

Fitton Hill Neighbourhood Centre, Fircroft Road, Fitton Hill, Oldham, OL8 2QD

  • Tuesday 2 – 5pm
  • Wednesday and Thursday 2 – 7pm
  • Friday and Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Greenfield Library

Chew Vale, Greenfield OL3 7EQ

  • Tuesday 2 – 5pm
  • Wednesday and Thursday 2 – 7pm
  • Friday and Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Lees Library Community Hub

Thomas Street, Lees, OL4 5DA.

  • Monday to Thursday 9am – 7pm
  • Friday 9am – 5pm
  • Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Limehurst Library

St. Chads Centre, Lime Green Parade, Limehurst, OL8 3HH

  • Tuesday 2 – 5pm
  • Wednesday and Thursday 2 – 7pm
  • Friday and Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Northmoor Library

Chadderton Way, Oldham, OL9 6DH

  • Tuesday 2 – 5pm
  • Wednesday and Thursday 2 – 7pm
  • Friday and Saturday 9.30am – 1pm

Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre

Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL

The Oldham Times: The warm bank area at Oldham Library The warm bank area at Oldham Library (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

  • Monday to Thursday 9am – 8pm. Express library remains open until 9.30pm with limited service.
  • Friday and Saturday 9am – 5pm

Royton Library at Trinity Church

Radcliffe St, Royton, OL2 5QR

  • Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5pm

Uppermill Library

St. Chad's, High Street, Uppermill, OL3 6AP

  • Monday to Thursday 9am – 7pm
  • Friday 9am – 5pm
  • Saturday 9.30am – 1pm