Oh, what a night it was as the Caring and Sharing team completely transformed Champness Hall into a dazzling venue that could rival the Oscars! Guests arrived adorned in magnificent cultural attire, eagerly anticipating a night dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements and milestones of the Black community. 

The atmosphere was nothing short of glitz and glamour, with a red carpet for guests to walk upon, offering the chance to be photographed with none other than the Bell of the Ball herself, Nicky Iginla, the CEO of Caring and Sharing Rochdale and the driving force behind this spectacular event.

The celebration also welcomed esteemed guests, including MP Tony Lloyd, Right Honourable Deputy Mayor, Councillor Shakil Ahmed, Councillor Neil Emmott, Councillor Bev Place, Councillor Rachel Massey, Councillor Janet Emsley, Councillor Elizabeth Atewologun, and many other important dignitaries. 

Upon arrival, guests were warmly welcomed by the Caring and Sharing team, all dressed in vibrant African tabards, and were guided straight to the food area, where they were treated to a delectable spread of traditional African cuisine, lovingly prepared by the Caring and Sharing Caterers.

As everyone took their seats, the main event commenced with prayers and a welcome address from Olawale Ogunijmi (Operations Manager, Caring and Sharing Rochdale).

The evening was further enriched with speeches from other notable individuals, including MP Tony Lloyd, Councillor Shakil Ahmed (Deputy Mayor of Rochdale), Prof Erinma Bell MBE, DL, JP (CEO & Co-founder, CARISMA), Rose Ssali (Founder, SAWN & MAMA), Hebe Reilly (Director, Cartwheel Arts), Dr. Charles Kachitsa (Entrepreneur, Consultant & Community Leader), Tikhala Chimpango (Director, Woman Arise CIC & Gems of Africa), and Princess Folashade Alonge (Founder, De Butterfly CIC).

The master of ceremonies for the evening, Alfa Kuabo, skillfully guided the proceedings, paying due respect to the esteemed speakers, who graciously shared their wisdom despite their busy schedules. 

The night was also adorned with captivating cultural performances, including enchanting dances by the Sunshine Cultural Dancers, Sudanese dancers, Ethiopian & Eritrean dancers, Nigerian dancers, and dancers from many other countries.

In addition to the captivating dance performances, there was a powerful poem recital by 14-year-old Yvonne Maina and a mesmerising theatrical performance by the CAS Drama Group. Furthermore, the night resonated with melodious musical performances, featuring talented local artists who graced the stage with their soulful melodies and rhythmic beats.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore stalls set up by various community organisations, including All Things African, Living Well, and Culture Co-op. To promote health and well-being, a representative from the council, Anne Nikolaou, offered to measure attendees’ blood pressure.

For those seeking musical enjoyment, a DJ set the stage for an old-fashioned boogie, inviting everyone to join on the dance floor. Guests proudly displayed their beautiful costumes as they danced the night away to their favourite tracks.

The festivities were so infectious that many wished for an after-party, but, alas, the evening had to come to an end, bidding farewell until next year. 

We eagerly anticipate the next grand event and encourage everyone to stay updated through Caring and Sharing Rochdale’s social media channels so as not to miss any future events.

You may have encountered discussions surrounding charities and social housing grappling with a range of poverty-related challenges, each presenting its unique set of challenges. Among these challenges are fuel poverty, hygiene poverty, food poverty, and many more. 

These hardships stem from a common root cause – insufficient financial resources to afford essential items to ensure the well-being and happiness of those they serve.

What is Bed Poverty?

Firstly, you must understand that the emotional and physical impact of bed poverty is something that no one should experience, as it has catastrophic downsides for individuals, particularly children. An uncomfortable resting place means an individual will have disturbed or little sleep, with enormous implications for their well-being. 

Bed poverty, often referred to as “bedroom tax,” is a socio-economic issue that represents a situation where individuals or families living in social housing face financial challenges due to the underoccupancy of their homes, as assessed by the government. 

It is a multifaceted issue stemming from the UK government’s housing policy, which has been a part of the broader welfare reform agenda. The core of this issue lies in assessing the number of bedrooms a household requires compared to the number of bedrooms within the property they occupy. 

How Many Children Experience Bed Poverty in the United Kingdom?

In the United Kingdom, the current state of bed poverty is alarming, with more than a quarter of children, totalling 4.2 million. To put this in perspective, between 2012 and 2022, the number of bed poverty increased by a staggering 350,000.

Furthermore, research conducted in the previous month shows alarming statistics: 1 million children in the United Kingdom experienced poverty last year. This marks an 88% increase from the figures in 2019.

Regarding the issue of bed poverty, recent polling conducted by YouGov shows a startling reality. There are over a million families in the previous year who have made the selfless sacrifice of giving up their beds so that their children can have a place to sleep. 

Among these families, 422,000 had parents who resorted to sleeping on chairs or sofas, while an additional 138,000 families had a parent who had to sleep on the floor. These statistics shed light on the lengths parents are willing to go to ensure their children have a safe and comfortable resting place.

What is Caring and Sharing Doing to Help Families Experiencing Bed Poverty?

Our dedicated team plays a crucial role in providing support to the children and families that we serve.  This includes the delivery of essential provisions, including food, clothing, and many more. However, while we are committed to this immediate assistance, we understand that bed poverty requires a long-term solution. 

We are steadfast in our commitment to championing the rights of every child in Rochdale Borough who wakes up in a cold home. This entails ongoing discussions with stakeholders, urging them to take swift and necessary actions to tackle poverty.  

We are working round-the-clock to address the root causes and systemic issues behind these challenges so that we may create a brighter future for all children. 

Social prescribing is an approach that addresses practical, social, and emotional needs affecting the health and well-being of individuals. It is an ever-evolving solution gaining recognition for its ability to support individuals on their journeys to better health. 

Among those reaping the benefits are the individuals we serve, including refugees, asylum seekers, and the BAME community, whose path towards resilience and integration is often marked by unique challenges. Let’s explore how social prescribing changes lives and nurtures well-being in the face of adversity.

What is Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing is the gateway to a world of possibilities, connecting individuals with activities, groups, and services that have the potential to enhance their health and overall well-being. This innovative approach, recognized by the NHS in 2023, allows healthcare professionals, educators, and others to refer individuals to a dedicated social prescribing service. 

Often, Link Workers step in as a guiding hand, crafting a tailored social prescription. These Link Workers empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being. Together, they set goals and ensure that the prescribed activities fit perfectly. 

For instance, joining a vibrant walking group to boost physical activity and alleviate the impact of long-term health conditions or immersing oneself in the therapeutic world of gardening to reduce anxiety and enhance mental well-being.

Benefits of Social Prescribing 

The evidence is clear: social prescribing has numerous positive health and well-being outcomes. These encompass elevated quality of life, enhanced mental and overall well-being, and a notable reduction in levels of depression and anxiety.

Social Prescribing Fosters a Sense of Belonging

As you may know, embracing a new homeland is like stepping into uncharted territory for individuals. Social prescribing is not only about medical referrals; it helps them navigate their way into the heart of local communities. 

By facilitating cultural exchange events, connecting newcomers with welcoming neighbours, and encouraging participation in community projects, it forges bonds that transcend borders. Moreover, through these connections, individuals not only find a supportive network but also become ambassadors of their unique culture, embracing their new environment.

Social Prescribing Improves Mental Health and Overall Well-being

While the scars that refugees and asylum seekers carry are not visible, their impact is profound. Social prescribing becomes a sanctuary for emotional healing. It does not just hand out prescriptions; it provides the emotional scaffolding necessary for rebuilding lives.

From counselling and trauma-informed support groups to art therapy and mindfulness workshops, it offers various services to help individuals conquer their inner battles. So, social prescribing is not just about surviving; it is about thriving, one step at a time, on the path to renewed mental well-being and resilience.

Social Prescribing Promotes Skill Development and Employment

Finding a foothold in a new land needs more than just a job; it demands potential and dreams realization. Social prescribing opens the door to skill development programs that can empower refugees and asylum seekers to embrace their passions and talents.

From vocational training tailored to their interests to apprenticeships and job placement services, it is a transformative journey that reshapes their career path. Social prescribing may not guarantee landing a job; it sure unlocks doors to a brighter future, where individuals can achieve their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to their host communities. 

What Needs to Change Now

Our findings call for more than incremental change; they demand a strategic revolution. It is time to reimagine social prescribing as more than a prescription pad. At Caring and Sharing, we envision a future where every refugee, asylum seeker, and individual from the BAME community can access the support they need precisely when they need it.

By extending the possibilities to include outdoor adventures, we provide a holistic prescription for well-being that nurtures the body and soul. We are not just making suggestions; we are painting a vision of a brighter, more resilient tomorrow!