An amateur dramatic society in Tameside is playing the perfect supporting role for people in need.
Never mind the Oscars, Hyde Little Theatre is a community star thanks to services they’re providing through funding they’ve received.
The local thespians are running free weekly musical sessions that include soup and a sandwich, theatre tickets, transport and winter pamper packs.
They’re able to provide the support thanks to winter funding, which has been allocated by Tameside Council’s Adult Service team.
This funding was made available from central government and has all now been shared with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations in the borough to provide community-based support for those in need.
The theatre, founded in 1967, hosts a soup and sing-a-long session every Tuesday lunchtime, from 11am to 1pm, at their Studio 9 premises at the top of Market Street, Hyde. All are welcome and there’s no need to book.
The sessions began at the beginning of December with around 30 people currently attending. The social activity benefits people who are isolated, while providing the free hot meal, and other essential items, helps those in need.
Committee member Steven Oliver said: “The sessions have been really good and everyone who has come has always come again. The funding has been vital in getting the sessions started and bringing people in.”
Cllr Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Population Health, said: “Hyde Little Theatre is putting on a great show of support for people in need. It’s great to see such an organisation in the heart of the community using its talents and resources to bring people together and entertain while providing nutritious food and other assistance.
“This is one of a number of fantastic initiatives that the winter funding has been able to help in supporting vulnerable people across Tameside.”
