A new project has been launched in Failsworth which hopes to help older people live happier, healthier lives.

The 'happier, healthier' project aims to provide financial assistance to community groups that help support the independence and wellbeing of elderly people in the area.

Over the course of the next 12 months, several donations will be made to bring the plan into action.

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Retirement property developer, McCarthy Stone, which is also launching a new development on Ashton Road West, is behind the vision for the project.

The new development, set to be completed by autumn 2024, will contain several low-maintenance, energy-efficient and affordable privately owned apartments that are designed to support those over 60 to make the most of their retirement years.

The homes will have a range of amenities on the doorstep as well as beautiful waterside walks by Rochdale Canal and shared spaces such as a communal lounge and maintained gardens.

There will also be a dedicated house manager and the latest safety and security features to provide peace of mind.

But to help the project align with the needs of the community and its future occupiers, the company is now also seeking dedicated residents to fill voluntary advisor roles.

The advisors will have a say on how the funding gets distributed and work towards making a positive difference in their community.

Those selected will sit on a purposefully created committee alongside McCarthy Stone representatives that will meet throughout the year to discuss the range of services, groups and initiatives locally that could benefit from a small cash injection that directly helps older people.

Declan Fishwick, business development manager at McCarthy Stone said: “While our Failsworth development is under construction, it is important to McCarthy Stone that we become an integrated part of the community and ensure we are investing in local groups and causes that align with our vision, which is supporting older people to live happier, healthier lives.

“This development is the first of its kind in Oldham so we thought what better way to plan our community activities than to involve members of the public directly, so they can help us by highlighting some of the unsung heroes within the Oldham community where the funding could have the most positive difference to the lives of older people.

"Equally, this could be a fantastic way to build long-term relationships with the causes and groups themselves, which can be very fulfilling and rewarding too.”

Those who wish to express interest in the role should email mccarthystone.pressoffice@mccann.com with the subject header ‘HAPPIER, HEALTHIER OLDHAM’.

The happier, healthier project is a McCarthy Stone-funded community initiative, delivering in partnership with the McCarthy Stone Foundation - an independent, registered charity.

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