Cafe Oasis is at the heart of community for local families

The Warm Welcome Space run by Oldhams Church in Oldhams Family Hub, at the heart of some social housing in Bolton, is particularly well used by families with children under the age of five.

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With an activity for parents and young children every day of the week in the Bolton Council run Start Well family hub, this is a bustling space that is hugely valued by the people who visit it.

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One mum of three says that with the cost of other sensory groups at “extortionate” levels, costs can really add up with multiple children so she appreciates this free, welcoming space. A father said he had thought Warm Welcome Spaces were just for older people, but Oldhams Church proves this isn’t the case.

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Another mother of three says: “This gets me out of the house, and with three kids that’s a struggle. But I will make the effort because it’s worth it.”

Oldhams Church received a grant from the Warm Welcome Campaign last year. Revd Lee Higson, who runs the space, says: “Our warm space has used the grant to fully fund refreshments and food over the winter season and beyond. We have also used the grant to establish and develop a toddler group (Wiggle Tots) within the warm space with craft activities and play which runs alongside our community cafe in the same building – both serving each other.”

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At Christmas and Easter, the space staged a celebration with lots of activities for the children, a visit from Santa, as well as special food in the cafe. Presents were donated by The Entertainer and local councillors arranged the funding of refreshments.

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All food and drink is provided free of charge. The space is now open every week during term time and is used by between 40 and 50 people each week.

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An NHS support worker regularly visits the hub, and Bolton Council supports guests with family practitioners and specialists giving advice on themes like returning to work and energy savings.

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Oldhams Church is just one of many Warm Welcome Spaces serving families and we’re delighted to shine a light on it this Warm Welcome Week.

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