We can help families –
Winter campaign
The Council has been running a We Can Help campaign to help residents get through for many what might be a difficult winter. We are now expanding the campaign to include an offer from partners and targeting families who are struggling with the impact of Covid-19 and financial challenges such as from the universal credit cut. With 38% of children growing up in poverty, there is huge demand in Oldham, we hope some families access the support described in this campaign and get help earlier or become more resilient.
The tone of the campaign is friendly and empathetic with the challenges families are going through.
External comms
There are ten areas of support we want to get across to parents and young people: mental health, parenting, community support, winter activities, food, financial help, domestic abuse, problems with drugs or alcohol, safeguarding and Covid-19. These were selected based on demand we are seeing in local services. For each area, there is a narrative and social card (tbc) we would like to be shared widely and simultaneously across the partnership.
Social cards are suitable for instagram, facebook, twitter and publications.
The following dates and text should be used on social media. Please adjust the text for your audiences, so the campaign resonates.
• Thursday 09/12
Taking care of our own mental health and that of our loved ones is important over Winter. Oldham partners have created lots of resources for families to support them. www.oldham.gov.uk/We-Can-Help-Families
• Friday 10/12
Parenting can be tough over the festive period – Oldham partners have pre-paid for every parent, grandparent and carer to access £100 of courses over Winter.
www.oldham.gov.uk/We-Can-Help-Families
• Monday 13/12
Did you know, there are hundreds of amazing voluntary, community and faith groups in your neighbourhood for children, young people and parents / carers?
www.oldham.gov.uk/We-Can-Help-Families
• Wednesday 15/12
Kids under your feet during the Winter break? Want something more stimulating?
Oldham partners have created lots of resources for families to give you a hand.
www.oldham.gov.uk/We-Can-Help-Families
• Friday 17/12
We don’t want any child in Oldham to go hungry. Find your local foodbank or you may be able to get a grant from local partners or central government.
www.oldham.gov.uk/We-Can-Help-Families
• Monday 20/12
It’s tough being out of a job or struggling with money or heating during the festive period. Oldham partners have created lots of resources for families that might be able to help.
www.oldham.gov.uk/We-Can-Help-Families
• Wednesday 22/12
There is no excuse for violence or abuse. If you or your family are affected by domestic violence or abuse you can get advice and help.
www.oldham.gov.uk/We-Can-Help-Families
• Friday 24/12
If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult, please contact the Oldham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 0161 770 7777.
www.oldham.gov.uk/We-Can-Help-Families
Internal comms
We also want to raise awareness of the campaign with professionals across health, care, policing, education and the voluntary sector – so they can promote the We Can help resources to Oldham families. Please use the text below in cascade briefings to staff. Please amend the text for your audience.
Thursday 09/12:
We can help families
Winter can be a tough time for families in Oldham. 38% of children are growing up in poverty, and this is made worse by the pandemic, escalating fuel prices and universal credit cuts. There is lots of support for families that are struggling, but sometimes they don’t know what’s available.
We can all help by sharing details of services and support from across the Oldham partnership. For example: mental health services, parenting support, food and activities, domestic abuse and safeguarding.
Take a look at www.oldham.gov.uk/We-Can-Help-Families and please share these messages.