At Caring and Sharing, our mission is built on compassion, but compassion isn’t just something we extend outward. It’s something we practice inward, too.

Every day, we walk alongside asylum seekers, refugee seekers, the BAME community, seniors, carers, and others who need a place of safety, solidarity, and support. Through immigration drop-ins, women’s wellness sessions, digital skills classes, ESOL, and the beloved Friends of Shamwari, we hold space for healing, empowerment, and growth.

But in doing this life giving work, we’ve learned a difficult but necessary truth: If we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t be able to take care of anyone else.

When Compassion Becomes Too Heavy to Carry Alone

Let’s be real: the emotional weight of community work is no joke. It’s not just the hours or the paperwork, it’s the stories we carry, the systems we navigate, the urgency we feel when someone’s safety is at stake. Even the most passionate among us can hit a wall.

But at Caring and Sharing, we’ve decided: burnout is not the price of making a difference. We’ve put intentional strategies in place to help our team stay grounded, protected, and energised, so we can keep doing what we do best, without burning out in the process.

How We’re Protecting Our People While Serving Our Purpose

Here’s how we care for ourselves as we care for others:

1. We Talk About It – Openly, Honestly, Often

We’ve created safe internal spaces where team members can say, “I’m struggling,” without fear or shame. Whether it’s during team meetings, informal chats, or reflection sessions, we encourage real talk about emotional health. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength that keeps us connected.

2. We Honour Boundaries

We respect that our team members are whole people, not just roles or job titles. We encourage clear working hours, proper breaks, and taking time off when needed. Nobody is expected to be “on” all the time. We don’t glorify burnout, we shut it down before it starts.

3. We Prioritise Peer Support

There’s healing in shared experience. That’s why we’ve created relaxed spaces, like our monthly tea and chat circles where volunteers and staff can talk, decompress, or just sit in solidarity with one another. It’s not always about problem-solving. Sometimes it’s about simply being seen.

4. We Say No to Martyr Culture

Doing good shouldn’t mean running yourself into the ground. We actively challenge the narrative that says “the more exhausted you are, the more committed you must be.” We celebrate sustainability, not sacrifice. This work is a marathon, not a sprint.

5. We Invest in Our Own Wellbeing

We’re intentional about putting care resources in-house. That means making room for things like mindfulness practices, reflective supervision, access to counselling, and designated wellness time. These aren’t extras, they’re essentials.

6. We Celebrate Ourselves, Loudly and Often

It’s easy to focus only on the crises, but we’ve learned to pause and celebrate the wins, big and small. Whether it’s someone mastering basic English, a successful referral, or a heartfelt “thank you,” we take time to honour those moments. They fuel us. They remind us why we’re here.

Why This Matters

Because at Caring and Sharing, we know that our people are the heartbeat of this mission. Our staff, our volunteers, our community leaders, are essential. And so, we protect that. When helping starts to hurt, we don’t ignore the pain. We listen to it. We slow down. We regroup. We support one another. Because healing communities begins with healing ourselves.

So here’s our invitation to everyone doing this work with us: Take care. Speak up. Rest without guilt. Because when we thrive, our community does too. And that’s the future we’re building, together.

Listening is a love in action.

At Caring and Sharing Rochdale, we meet people at some of the hardest points in their lives. A mum who’s just left an abusive relationship with nothing but a suitcase. A young man struggling with addiction and no one to call. A pensioner sitting in the cold because she can’t afford to turn the heating on.

It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also why we’re here. Because sometimes, all it takes is a bit of the right help at the right time to stop things spiralling. And what might start as a crisis can actually turn into the beginning of real, lasting change.

What Crisis Looks Like Here in Rochdale

We all know times are tough right now. Prices are rising, wages aren’t keeping up, and more and more families in Rochdale are finding themselves just one unexpected bill away from serious trouble.

But behind the headlines and statistics are real people, trying their best. And we’ve seen first-hand how a food parcel, a warm coat, or just a listening ear can take someone from feeling completely overwhelmed… to starting to believe in themselves again.

More Than a Quick Fix

There’s a common idea that emergency help is just sticking a plaster on a bigger problem. And yes, we can’t pretend that a food parcel alone will fix everything. But here’s what we’ve learned: you can’t move forward if your basic needs aren’t being met.

Research backs this up, too. A study from the Centre for Homelessness Impact found that when people in crisis get not just emergency support but kindness, follow-up, and someone to walk with them, they’re far more likely to get back on their feet and stay there. That’s what we try to do every day.

How We Do It at Caring and Sharing

Our approach is simple, really. We treat people like people.

That means:
– We respond quickly when someone’s in crisis – whether that’s with food, clothing, or helping them access benefits.

– We listen, without judgment, to what’s really going on.

– We work with them, not for them – pointing them towards longer-term support, and checking in again later.

And most of all, we treat everyone with dignity. Because no one should feel ashamed for asking for help.

What’s amazing is how often people come back to us, not for more help, but to give back. They volunteer. They donate. They tell others. That’s when you know something powerful has shifted.

It’s Not Just Here, It’s Everywhere

Even though our work is focused on Rochdale, this way of working; meeting crisis with compassion and a plan, works anywhere. Around the world, community organisations are doing the same.

In places like Kenya, India, or the US, local groups are combining emergency help with education and long-term support. The United Nations has even said that the most effective responses to poverty come from the ground up, with people and relationships at the heart.

Whether it’s Rochdale or Rio, when people feel seen, supported, and trusted, they’re far more likely to rebuild their lives.

From Rock Bottom to Rising Up

We’ve seen people go from rock bottom to running their own business. From sofa-surfing to stable housing. From silence to speaking up.

That’s not because we had a magic wand. It’s because they were strong, and we were there to remind them of it. Sometimes, you just need someone to say: “You’re not alone. Let’s figure this out together.”

If you believe in that kind of help, we’d love to have you with us. Whether you give a few hours, a few pounds, or just help spread the word, it all helps turn crisis into confidence.

Let’s keep doing it together!

The CAS team in collaboration with the PilotLighters’s team

In today’s digital world, knowing how to use a computer isn’t just a useful skill, it’s essential. From job applications and online banking to accessing healthcare and government services, digital literacy opens the door to opportunities and independence. Yet, many in our community still face barriers to digital inclusion. At Caring and Sharing Rochdale, we’re working to change that.

Every Monday, our hub comes alive with learning during our Computer Literacy Sessions. These workshops are open to everyone, whether you’ve never touched a computer before or simply want to build your confidence with basic digital tasks.

Our goal is simple: to bridge the digital divide by providing friendly, accessible ICT support to those who need it most. We understand that not everyone had the chance to grow up with technology, and that’s why our approach is patient, practical, and empowering.

What We Cover

Our sessions focus on everyday digital skills, such as:

– Using a computer or tablet

– Creating and managing email accounts

– Browsing the internet safely

– Filling out online forms

– Accessing public services and local resources

– Using word processing tools like Microsoft Word

At CAS Rochdale, we’re passionate about equipping every child, every individual with essential computer skills, because every child deserves to be confident and capable in today’s digital world. Whether you’re helping your child with homework or applying for your first job, we believe these skills are key to unlocking opportunities and building a brighter future.

Participants receive hands-on guidance from our dedicated volunteers and staff, who take the time to work with each individual at their own pa

The Impacts So Far

We’ve already seen some incredible transformations. Older adults are now able to video call family abroad, parents are confidently managing their children’s school portals, and job seekers are submitting online applications with ease. These victories may seem small, but they’re life changing.

Why It Matters in Rochdale

Rochdale is home to a vibrant and diverse population, but like many towns across the UK, some residents face digital exclusion due to age, language barriers, or financial limitations. For newcomers, especially those from migrant communities, accessing essential services can feel overwhelming without digital confidence. Our workshops are designed with these local challenges in mind, offering a welcoming space for people to gain skills and build independence. By equipping people with digital tools, we’re strengthening our entire community.

How You Can Help

Digital inclusion is a community effort, and there are many ways to support this mission. If you have time to spare, consider volunteering with us. If you have unused laptops or tablets, we’d gladly accept them to support learners without devices. And if you know someone who could benefit from our sessions, please send them our way. The more we come together, the more we can bridge the gap.

If you or someone you know could benefit from improving their ICT skills, join us every Monday at our hub. At Caring and Sharing Rochdale, we believe digital inclusion is a right, not a privilege, and together, we’re closing the gap.