Hundreds of children and families living in temporary accommodation can enjoy free leisure activities this half term in the borough.

Five hundred eligible families have been given passes to Oldham Community Leisure's (OCL) five centres in the borough during the week off for schools.

The passes, which are the product of a collaboration between Oldham Council OCL, will give families in temporary accommodation the chance to enjoy up to 10 activities for free including swimming, the gym, exercise classes and badminton.

Cllr Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: “Oldham is in a housing crisis with over 500 families currently living in temporary accommodation – and among them are 500 children.

“That's 500 kids without their own bed, a place to do their homework, living in places like hotels and B&Bs.

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“We understand that finding enjoyable and affordable activities during the holidays as a family can sometimes be challenging – that’s even more difficult if you’re living in temporary accommodation.

“I hope these passes give them some free fun and family memories. Huge thanks to Oldham Community Leisure for their support in helping people in our borough to access their excellent venues for free.”

This announcement aims to benefit residents who otherwise may have struggled to afford activities due to financial pressures and the current cost-of-living crisis.

The eligible families have been contacted by the council via email and they can visit the main OCL site to collect their pass for use at the centres across Oldham.

Amongst the activities families will be able to get access to are family swim sessions, exercise classes, state-of-the-art gyms, and badminton courts.

Activities can be booked at all OCL’s centres in Oldham, Failsworth, Chadderton, Saddleworth and Royton.

Stuart Lockwood, chief executive of OCL, said: “At Oldham Community Leisure, we want every family to have the chance to create memories together and we’re glad we could play a part in making that happen.

“We offer the largest range of leisure facilities, activities and gyms with swimming pools in Oldham, and we hope families enjoy using the offer during half term.”

The Council recently hosted the first Oldham Housing Roundtable with senior representatives from all of Oldham's major social housing providers, along with private landlords, letting agents, developers and housebuilders, charities and more.

Those present discussed Oldham’s housing crisis and how partners can work together to tackle it, with the council pledging to build 500 new social homes in the borough over the next five years.

Alongside this offer, an additional investment has been made by the council into a programme of free half-term activities for all children and young people.

Parents with children aged 5 to 16 can book these activities now, with this extra offer further highlighting the council’s efforts to support families who are struggling with the cost-of-living.