In a world full of complicated problems, it’s easy to forget the simplest truths.

At Caring and Sharing Rochdale, we haven’t just read about injustice. We live in it. We walk beside it. We sit across from it, hold its hand, and try, day in and day out, to remind people that they still matter, even when the system tells them otherwise.

And through it all, one thing keeps showing up, louder and clearer every day: Community might not just be part of the answer. It might be the answer itself.

It is Happening Here in Rochdale

Rochdale has always been a place of welcome. A place of grit, resilience, and spirit.

We’ve seen this town hold space for people who’ve lost everything. We’ve seen Rochdale aunties offer up hot meals to women fleeing violence.
We’ve seen grandads, former engineers, teaching newly arrived refugees how to fix bikes or use a computer.
We’ve seen real love, the quiet kind–not loud on social media but deep in action.

This is what a community looks like. And it’s not charity. It’s solidarity.

The Work Doesn’t Belong to “Us”—It Belongs to All of Us

Here’s the thing: the work we do at Caring and Sharing isn’t for a niche few. It’s not “those people” over there. This is about us–every single one of us. Whether you’re a local business owner, a parent, a student, or a neighbour who just cares.

The world tells us to look away.
We’re saying: lean in. Because if a community is going to heal anyone, it has to be built by everyone.

Don’t Just Clap for the Work, Join It

We don’t need more applause. We need more action.

Volunteer. Give your time, not just your opinion.

Speak up when systems fail our neighbours.

Share your skills, your networks, your table.

Create safe spaces—not just in buildings, but in how you treat people.

Let the way you live reflect the world you claim to want.

Rochdale can’t do it alone. And we shouldn’t have to.

What If Rochdale Is Just the Beginning?

What if the model we’re building here, community by community, block by block, isn’t just local hope, but global proof?

What if every town had Caring and Sharing?
What if governments, schools, and corporations followed the lead of grassroots love and leadership?

Because if it can work in Rochdale, with all its challenges, all its beauty, all its stubborn, scrappy heart, it can work anywhere. And maybe, just maybe, this is the movement the world has been waiting for.

So Here’s the Real Question:

What role will you play in building the world we keep saying we want?

Because community?
It doesn’t build itself.
We do.

When people talk about “starting over”, it often sounds inspiring, like a clean slate, a fresh chapter, a moment of empowerment. But for many survivors of domestic abuse and exploitation, especially those with uncertain immigration status, starting over isn’t just difficult,  it’s dangerous, confusing, and deeply isolating.

At Caring and Sharing, we see this reality every week in our Immigration Drop-In Support Sessions. Women (and men too) show up carrying invisible scars. Some have fled violent partners. Others have escaped forced labour or trafficking rings. And nearly all of them are navigating a system that, frankly, doesn’t always know how to care for them properly.

When Safety Comes at a Cost

One of the cruelest ironies for survivors with insecure immigration status is that seeking safety can actually put them at further risk. Imagine finally finding the strength to leave a harmful situation, only to realise that:

• You might have no legal right to public funds.

• You could be facing deportation because your visa is tied to your abuser.

• You’re being told by authorities that your experience is “complicated” or “not urgent enough”.

• You don’t know who to trust, or even what your rights are.

That’s not freedom. That’s fear in a new form.
And let’s not forget language barriers, cultural stigma, and the very real threat of retribution from traffickers or abusive partners. Survivors often live in silence because speaking up feels like stepping into even more uncertainty.

“But why didn’t they leave sooner?”

We hear this question far too often. The truth? It’s not that simple. Many survivors we support have been strategically isolated — cut off from friends, family, finances, or even their passports. They’ve been told lies about what will happen if they reach out for help: “They’ll arrest you”, “They’ll take your children”, “You’ll be deported”.
So when someone finally does walk through our doors, we don’t take that lightly. It takes unimaginable bravery to speak up, especially when you’ve been made to believe your voice doesn’t matter.

The Rochdale Reality

In Rochdale, the challenges faced by survivors are compounded by systemic barriers. The Rochdale Borough Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment highlights that domestic abuse is a gender-biased crime, with 91% of high-risk cases referred to the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) service being female. Additionally, 59% of these cases involved individuals under the age of 35 .

Furthermore, the Rochdale Borough Council’s Domestic Abuse Strategy acknowledges the disproportionate impact of domestic abuse on women from ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly those with insecure immigration status. These individuals often face additional hurdles in accessing support services due to language barriers, cultural stigmas, and fear of deportation .

What Freedom Actually Looks Like

Freedom, in our world, starts small.
It looks like a confidential conversation with one of our trusted partners from Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU), where someone learns, often for the first time, that they have rights, not just needs.
It looks like connecting a survivor to emergency housing that doesn’t ask invasive questions or make them feel “less than” for needing help.

It looks like walking someone through the Domestic Violence Rule or the National Referral Mechanism, explaining in plain language how to get the protection they deserve.
And it looks like sitting side-by-side with someone, not across a desk, while they reclaim their power, their story, and their future.

No One Should Have to Choose Between Safety and Status

Let’s be clear: surviving abuse or exploitation should not disqualify anyone from safety, dignity, or justice. But the system doesn’t always get that. That’s why community organisations like ours are essential. We show up in the gaps. We help people feel seen. And we work with partners who understand that legal advice is only one part of the healing process.

We Believe You. We’re With You.

If you’re someone reading this who is feeling trapped or unsure, please know this: you are not alone. There are people who will believe you. Who will advocate for you. Who will sit with you in the hard moments and walk with you toward something better.
And if you’re someone with the power to help; as a volunteer, a donor, a professional, or just a compassionate neighbour, your role matters too. Because every voice raised in support of survivors chips away at a system that has too often failed them.

This work isn’t easy. But it’s necessary. And every time someone walks from fear into freedom, even just a few steps forward, we’re reminded why we do it.
Let’s keep making space for freedom to be more than just a dream. Let’s make it real.

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.

At Caring and Sharing Rochdale, we believe every child deserves a joyful, enriching, and safe space to thrive, especially during the holidays. This past Easter, we brought that vision to life once again with our exciting lineup of children’s activities, and what a memorable experience it was!

From laughter filled games to moments of discovery and creativity, our holiday program was packed with fun, friendship, and learning. Children of all ages enjoyed a wide variety of engaging activities from energetic football matches and thrilling PlayStation tournaments to classic word searches and outdoor games that got everyone moving and smiling.

We made time for creativity, encouraging kids to express themselves through arts and crafts, storytelling, and other imaginative exercises. It wasn’t just about entertainment, it was about building confidence, sparking curiosity, and nurturing the social and emotional development of every child who joined us.

As always, our team of dedicated volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to ensure every child felt included, safe, and celebrated. It’s the heart of what we do at Caring and Sharing Rochdale, creating community and sharing love through intentional, child centered programs.

The feedback from parents and guardians has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re already buzzing with ideas for the next round of holiday activities. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces reminds us why we do what we do. We’re not just hosting events, we’re helping to shape brighter futures, one holiday at a time.

If you’d like to get involved, support our mission, or learn more about upcoming programs, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can keep making a difference in the lives of the children and families in our community.

Thank you to our partners, Department for Education, Rochdale Borough Council, Your Trust Rochdale, and everyone who made this Easter break unforgettable. We can’t wait to see you at our next event.

Engaging in (participatory arts), encourages connections to others, feelings of belonging, and shared identity in a community. These creative arts (music, dance, theatre, creative writing, museums, and heritage) also foster personal development and community and civic awareness – Daykin et al. (2021).

At Caring and Sharing Rochdale, creativity is more than just a pastime, it’s a pathway to healing, connection, and discovery. Our Creative Connection Workshop sessions are designed to celebrate Rochdale’s rich textile heritage while nurturing well being and building community through the power of arts and crafts.

These sessions are far from your typical art class. As soon as participants walk in, they’re greeted by a warm, welcoming atmosphere where creativity flows as freely as conversation. From weaving intricate patterns to designing beautiful textile pieces, each activity is hands-on and guided with care, allowing everyone, regardless of skill level, to learn, grow, and shine.

Throughout our sessions, we’ve explored Rochdale’s textile legacy, not just by talking about it, but by actively bringing it to life. We’ve explored natural motif repeat patterns, drawn from the world around us, and used them to design vibrant, expressive fabrics. These artistic explorations connect us to the past while allowing each person to put their own creative spin on Rochdale’s rich traditions.

But the magic of the workshop isn’t just in the art we create, it’s in the stories we share and the laughter that fills the room. As hands work on colourful threads and textures, hearts open up. Personal memories are exchanged, new friendships blossom, and a sense of belonging starts to weave itself into the very fabric of the group.

A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found significant improvements in mental health outcomes among participants engaged in art therapy.

Engaging in arts and crafts has been shown to improve mindfulness, reduce stress, and increase overall well being. It encourages us to slow down, be present, and find joy in the process. Whether it’s the repetitive motion of weaving or the satisfaction of completing a unique piece, these small moments have a big impact on mental and emotional health.

At Caring and Sharing Rochdale, we believe that everyone has a creative spark, and when we nurture that spark in the community, it lights up something truly special.

So whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just curious to try something new, our Creative Connection Workshop welcomes you with open arms. Come for the art, stay for the stories, and leave with a heart just a little fuller.

Creativity heals. Community connects. And together, we create something truly beautiful.

There’s no community without charity, and there’s no charity without community. This simple truth is what makes community-led initiatives so vital, and why the support of local authorities is not just helpful, but important.

In towns like Rochdale, the heartbeat of the borough lies in the quiet but powerful work of grassroots charities. These organisations, often founded by residents, neighbours, and lived experience leaders, step in where public services fall short: delivering food, tackling mental health crises, supporting asylum seekers, and offering a sense of dignity and belonging.

But these charities don’t thrive on goodwill alone. They require stable support, accessible infrastructure, and meaningful collaboration from local institutions. In short, community-led charities need community-led backing from local authorities.

Here’s how that can happen, and how Rochdale is leading by example:

1. Long-Term, Flexible Funding

Consistent, unrestricted funding allows charities to innovate and grow. Yet, a 2023 NCVO study found that over 60% of UK small charities rely on short-term funding cycles of less than 12 months. In Rochdale, over 30% of voluntary sector organisations report that funding insecurity is their biggest operational barrier. Rochdale Borough Council has taken promising steps through its Community Investment Fund, helping fill that gap by supporting community responses to poverty, youth violence, and cost-of-living challenges.

2. Shared Spaces and Infrastructure

Space is power, yet many grassroots groups can’t afford rent or utilities. According to Locality UK, one in four community groups lack access to a stable physical space.
In Rochdale, Rochdale Town Hall has become more than just a civic landmark – it’s increasingly being opened up as a shared, accessible space for the community. Local charities and grassroots groups, including Caring and Sharing Rochdale, have been able to host events, cultural celebrations, and training sessions within its historic halls.
This kind of access to centrally located, trusted public space sends a clear message: the community belongs here. It also provides a dignified setting for initiatives that tackle everything from food insecurity to mental health stigma, proving that local authorities can turn symbolic buildings into platforms for real change.

3. Genuine Collaboration, Not Just Consultation

Many charities are invited to conversations, but not to decision making. Only 39% of UK community organisations feel they have meaningful influence on local decisions.
In Rochdale, BHA for Equality is actively changing that. Their work tackles health inequalities by placing lived experience at the heart of public health strategies, especially within Black, Asian, and minoritized communities. Through culturally competent outreach, inclusive research, and advocacy, BHA ensures that marginalised voices shape services, not just receive them.
Caring and Sharing Rochdale proudly collaborates with BHA for Equality, particularly through initiatives like our Women’s Wellness Workshop, which brings together women from underrepresented backgrounds to explore physical and mental health, self-care, and empowerment. This kind of partnership doesn’t just deliver services, it helps shift narratives, build trust, and influence how local systems understand community health.
Together, we prove that when grassroots organisations and equity driven institutions join forces, genuine collaboration becomes a catalyst for lasting change.

4. Standing Up for Vulnerable Voices

Migrant and asylum seeking communities face extreme challenges, especially with legal access and housing. Greater Manchester is home to over 5,000 asylum seekers, many in precarious situations.
GMIAU (Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit) is a lifeline for these residents, offering legal advice and advocacy. In Rochdale, they collaborate with grassroots charities, including Caring and Sharing Rochdale to ensure migrants and asylum seekers have access to culturally aware support, food, mental health guidance, and belonging.

5. Capacity Building and Voice Amplification

In a survey of Greater Manchester charities, 52% said they lacked the skills or staff capacity to apply for funding or run digital campaigns.
That’s where organisations like Caring and Sharing Rochdale shine, not only by offering direct support to people, but also mentoring emerging leaders within marginalised communities. From youth led initiatives to women’s health awareness to empowerment advocacy, we’ve helped amplify under-heard voices across Rochdale. When local authorities collaborate with community rooted organisations like ours, they invest in long-term social infrastructure.

Rochdale as a Model, the World as the Audience

Rochdale, the birthplace of the cooperative movement, continues to lead by example. The collaboration between its council, housing bodies, healthcare champions, legal advocates, and grassroots organisations shows what’s possible when community is not a client, but a co-creator.
Whether in Rochdale or Rio, Nairobi or Newcastle, the message is the same: community-led charities need trust, space, and sustained support.
By learning from Rochdale’s champions – Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Town Hall, BHA for Equality, GMIAU, and Caring and Sharing Rochdale, we can all work toward a future where no one is left behind. Because in every town, community is infrastructure, and it’s time we treated it that way.