The Debt Advice Service
Earlier this year Oldham Athletic Community Trust (OACT) launched the third ‘Food For Thought’ initiative, as a direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The initiative provides local schools with the opportunity to access up to £200 in shopping vouchers to support families and pupils in need within their local community.
Since January 2021 over £3,000 has been distributed to local schools, with support received from the players, staff & directors at Oldham Athletic Football Club.
During the initiative local organisation, The Debt Advice Service, pledged their partnership to enable further families to receive support:
"As a lifelong resident of Oldham, we are delighted to be working with OACT and the Food For Thought initiative and having the opportunity to give something back to those in need. As a company, we are committed to providing those in financial difficulty with information and guidance to get their finances back on track.
The Debt Advice Service also provides the local community with an invaluable service, aimed at providing support to anyone struggling with unsecured debts of over £3000 including credit cards, loans, payday loans, store cards etc. This fantastic, 5* Trustpilot rated service is offered completely free of charge and I hope that through this partnership awareness of this service is increased to anyone who could benefit from it.
One such school to access the Food For Thought initiative is Werneth Primary School.
Werneth Primary School, a current OACT school partner, have used their vouchers in partnership with The Magic Breakfast to re-launch the Werneth Primary School Foodbank.
Jonathan Bell, Werneth Primary School Principal said; "We know that so many families have been affected by the pandemic. Parents and carers have found themselves unemployed or with reduced incomes through no fault of their own.
"It’s heart-breaking to see the impact of this on families across the borough, so we are incredibly grateful to Martin and OACT for supporting the Werneth Primary School Foodbank and helping us to provide a community hub at a time of need."
In addition to the above foodbank at Werneth Primary School, there have been other fantastic ideas supported through the use of the vouchers."
St Hughs Primary School used the vouchers to provide a breakfast club for pupils.
Bale Vale Primary School used the vouchers to run a “no cook” cooking club, after school club. The school taught children the skills to prepare cheaper & easy meals, developing children to try and taste different foods teaching skills for the future.
Freehold Academy used the vouchers to assist with their own foodbank, recently created at the school.
Westwood Academy used the vouchers to continue to support of their most vulnerable families, recent research has shown that parents are going without food to feed their children.
For further information on The Debt Advice Service, please click here.