The Oldham Poverty Action Network (OPAN) originated from a range of previous initiatives and organisations to tackle poverty in the borough. OPAN brings together perspectives and insights from key VCSE, public and private sector organisations, along with those with lived experience of poverty, to inform co-ordinated actions.

Oldham is one of six locations across Britain that have access to potential long-term funding from LocalMotion which aims to promote “joined up thinking, pooled resources and long-term collaboration and planning.” So far the network, coordinated by Action Together, has developed pilot projects across three main themes:

• Building out from the cost-of living response
• Hope and aspirations – creating routes out of poverty
• Building a joined-up approach to tackle poverty alleviation and prevention.

Lived experience input is crucial to the success of OPAN. In recognition of this, a peer support group is in place to help lived experience members gain skills and confidence to participate in OPAN discussions and influence other decision-making spaces in Oldham and beyond. This is coordinated by a dedicated person providing one-to-one support to all the lived experience members, as well as facilitating the peer support group. Initially this role was developed by the Shared Health Foundation but Resolve Poverty is proud to be providing this support until at least October 2024.