'Not innovative' pensioners club has funding cut

A charity lunch club described as a lifeline for lonely pensioners is to close after its funding has been cut.

The Age UK Oldham lunch club provides a three-course meal and company for about 200 older people at risk of social isolation.

A decision by Oldham Council to withdraw funding and unsuccessful attempts to secure alternative funding have resulted in the club announcing its closure in September.

Age UK boss Yvonne Lee said it was "not classed as 'innovative'" but was "providing a service older people want".

'Highlight of week'

Ms Hughes said older people "rely heavily on support, friendship, and weekly meals provided by the club" and for many it was the "highlight of their week".

Saddleworth West and Lees councillor Alicia Marland said: “I am truly heartbroken for these elderly folk, as for many it is their only opportunity to socialise or leave their home each week and enjoy a meal with others."

Ms Marland appealed to people and businesses in the borough to consider providing financial help to the club, which meets in Royton, Lees, Chadderton, Hathershaw, Shaw and Failsworth.

The club, which charges pensioners a £5.50 subsidised fee, has been unable to secure alternative funding for two years, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Unsuccessful funding bid

A recent bid for the Lottery Community Fund was unsuccessful, leaving the club £50,000 short.

Age UK Oldham’s chief executive Ms Lee and Oldham councillor and cabinet member for adults, health and wellbeing Barbara Brownridge said they had both "worked really hard together" to try to make the lunch clubs self-sustaining.

They added that ahead of the closure in September they would "continue to work closely together on how best they can move forward to ensure older people receive the support they require".

Ms Lee said it was difficult to find new funders as many "don’t fund existing services".