Celebrating 15 Years of MAHDLO

Thursday 16th July 2026

At Trade Centre UK, we’re passionate about investing in the communities we serve, which is why we’re incredibly proud to support MAHDLO; a charity that continues to transform the lives of young people across Oldham.

As Oldham town centre enters an exciting new era, with significant investment bringing new homes and the redevelopment of landmark sites including the former Civic Centre and Queen Elizabeth Hall, it’s clear that regeneration is about more than buildings.

Communities are built by people.

Recently, our Community Engagement Ambassador, Mike Doyle, caught up with MAHDLO’s Lisa and Michelle to hear first-hand about the charity’s incredible journey over the past 15 years, the impact it’s making today and its exciting plans.

Since launching, MAHDLO has engaged with more than 60,000 young people, offering opportunities, trusted adult support and safe spaces for a generation facing increasing challenges around mental health, loneliness, and the pressures of social media.

Demand for the charity’s services has more than doubled over the past 15 years, and so have the hours its team spends working directly with young people. Whether that’s running sessions from church halls and schools or walking neighbourhoods to meet young people where they are, MAHDLO continues to put relationships at the heart of everything it does.

Today, the charity delivers support across the borough, including community meals and outreach programmes designed to bring people together.

One initiative making a real difference is the SCRAMVAN project in Derker. Following a major police operation in the area, MAHDLO recognised that once enforcement ends, communities still need support to rebuild trust, confidence, and connections.

Lisa and Michelle explained: “SCRAMVAN is about much more than serving food. It’s about creating a reason for young people and families to come together again. After the police leave, communities still need trusted faces, safe spaces, and positive conversations. Something as simple as sharing a hot dog in the park can be the start of rebuilding relationships, giving young people somewhere they feel welcome and reminding them that their community cares about them.”

Alongside outreach projects, MAHDLO continues to expand its Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, with plans to redesign its kitchen to deliver more cooking and life skills sessions. Its new Voice Programme is giving young people the confidence to speak about the issues affecting them, recently hosting a community discussion around the impact of social media on young people’s lives.

The charity is also helping young people raise their aspirations by exposing them to new experiences and career opportunities. As one of the UK’s largest used car supermarkets, Trade Centre UK is proud to explore opportunities for work experience across sales, engineering, vehicle preparation and customer service, helping young people discover the wide range of careers available.

Looking ahead, MAHDLO has ambitious plans to create a music studio, sports hall, outdoor learning spaces, an edible garden and expanded Duke of Edinburgh activities. The charity has also recently received 12 bicycles to help girls learn to ride, opening even more opportunities for confidence, independence, and adventure.

To make this vision a reality, MAHDLO is aiming to raise £2 million through a new Patrons Programme that will help secure its future for years to come.

There are also plenty of celebrations ahead, with fundraising events including an upcoming rugby event, before a spectacular 15th birthday celebration in Oldham town centre featuring the MAHDLO People’s Awards, celebrity guests and a headline music act.

Mark Bailey, Founder and Director of Trade Centre Group, said: “Seeing MAHDLO grow alongside the needs of young people, adapting to meet new challenges while never losing sight of its purpose is wonderful to see and support where we can. As Oldham continues its transformation, it’s organisations like MAHDLO that ensure communities grow stronger too. At Trade Centre UK, we’re proud to stand alongside them and look forward to supporting the next chapter of their journey.”

As MAHDLO celebrates this incredible milestone, we’re proud to celebrate alongside them. Together, we’ve seen the difference that investing in young people can make, and we’re excited to continue supporting a charity that is changing lives, strengthening communities, and helping build a brighter future for generations to come.