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.

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.

On Tuesday, September 3rd, we at Caring and Sharing Rochdale came together to celebrate the life of Julie Collins, a truly remarkable woman whose dedication to serving others continues to inspire us all. Julie’s heart for humanity led her to establish Friends of Shamwari, a social event designed to support asylum seekers and refugees. Her kindness knew no limits, and her radiant spirit touched the lives of everyone she encountered.

We are deeply honored to carry forward the legacy of Friends of Shamwari in Julie’s memory. Through this initiative, we ensure that her mission of love, compassion, and support lives on, continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of those most in need. As a tribute to Julie, we proudly wore orange on—her favorite color—symbolizing the warmth and generosity she shared with the world, always giving freely without expecting anything in return.

At the funeral, our CEO, Nicky Iginla, shared a moving speech, reflecting on the immense contributions Julie made to our community. In her touching tribute, the CEO recalled how Julie, ever dedicated to her cause, had approached her to ensure the continuation of Friends of Shamwari as she prepared for retirement. Julie’s wish was for the project she had spearheaded, which involved engaging the community and supporting children, to carry on—never anticipating that she might leave us so soon.

The CEO offered a solemn and heartfelt promise to continue Julie’s important work. With a deep personal commitment, she vowed to honor Julie’s memory by leading the project as long as she could, ensuring that Julie’s passion for helping others would not be forgotten. It was a poignant moment, filled with the collective recognition that a great soul had left us, but her impact would endure.

Julie’s light shines on in our hearts, and her incredible impact will continue through the ongoing work of Caring and Sharing. Her commitment to helping others remains a source of inspiration as we strive to keep her vision alive.

Each day at the Holiday and Fun Activities Summer Holidays Program brought new activities, challenges, and memories, culminating in a truly unforgettable summer for all involved. On one of those days, the children delved into the art of bracelet-making. This hands-on activity not only allowed them to express their creativity but also gave them a tangible reminder of the friendships and connections they made during the program. With the guidance of our dedicated staff and volunteers, the children designed and crafted personalized bracelets, which they proudly wore home. The room buzzed with excitement and satisfaction as each child admired their unique creation, a symbol of their individuality and the bonds formed with their peers.

The creativity sessions didn’t stop at crafting, the children also rolled up their sleeves for a baking session, where they learned how to make simple biscuits and decorate them with icing fondant. Each child was given the tools to create their own designs, from shaping the dough to adding the final decorative touches. The joy of tasting their homemade biscuits was the perfect reward for their hard work. The session was a delightful mix of learning and fun, and yes, a little bit of joyful mess-making!

The program took a more focused turn with a drawing and painting session that challenged the children to replicate the shapes and colors of packaged food items. This exercise was designed to enhance their attention to detail and concentration, encouraging them to move beyond imagination and engage with the world around them. While some children ventured into abstract interpretations, the overall enthusiasm and determination to perfect their artwork made the session a rewarding experience. Our facilitators, along with the supportive volunteers, ensured that every child felt confident and safe as they explored their artistic talents.

The program introduced a Splash Design workshop that was met with eager anticipation. The children used plastic pipes to blow air and create vibrant, colorful patterns on paper. This playful technique allowed them to explore the randomness and beauty of abstract art. Following this, they added a personal touch to their creations with calligraphy, expressing their thoughts in beautiful script. The combination of vibrant patterns and thoughtful words made this session a standout.

The HAF program also emphasized the importance of communication and teamwork through a variety of interactive games and activities. The children participated in riddles, charades, and jokes, sparking lively conversations and sharpening their communication skills. Paired in groups, they learned to listen actively, think quickly, and engage meaningfully with their peers. The Spelling Bee further added to educational fun, with new words and information being shared among the children, all in the spirit of friendly competition.

In a creative twist, the program introduced a session where children repurposed everyday materials into artistic masterpieces. Straws, cotton wool, wire, and shredded dusters were transformed into playful designs of cupcakes and snow cones, all set against a striking black cardboard background. This session encouraged the children to think outside the box, seeing the potential in materials that might otherwise be overlooked. It was a day filled with imaginative thinking and the joy of creating something beautiful from the simplest of objects.

As the program neared its end, the children had one final opportunity to showcase their culinary skills. They participated in a cookery session where they made salads, biscuits, and cakes, decorating the cakes with icing and sprinkles to add that special touch. Every child took part in this session, learning valuable lessons about healthy eating and teamwork in the kitchen.

The grand finale of the HAF summer program was a day of celebration. The children visited Rochdale Town Hall, played football, and enjoyed a lively party. The air was filled with laughter, music, and a sense of accomplishment as the children celebrated the friendships they had made and the skills they had learned. As the program came to a close, it was clear that this summer had left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Conclusion

As we bid farewell to the cheerful little ones and the awesome big ones, we are filled with pride and gratitude. This summer has been nothing short of amazing, with each child bringing positive energy and joy to the Caring and Sharing hub. Their presence will be greatly missed, but the memories we’ve made together will last a lifetime.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the children and parents who participated, making this summer program such a success. Special appreciation goes out to our partners—Rochdale Borough Council, Your Trust Rochdale, and the Department for Education—whose support and collaboration were instrumental in bringing this program to life. We look forward to welcoming you back for future holidays and continuing to create more wonderful memories together.

Until then, we celebrate the achievements of this summer and the bright future ahead for our incredible participants. See you next time!

The past four weeks have been a whirlwind of creativity, teamwork, and pure joy as we continued our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) program at Caring and Sharing Rochdale for the summer holidays. From digital design sessions to classic games and arts and crafts, our young participants were fully immersed in activities that not only entertain but also nurtured their creative and social skills.

We kicked off one of our most exciting sessions with a special design workshop, where the children were introduced to the wonders of digital design using Canva. This session was more than just an introduction to a new tool—it was an exploration of creativity and the power of positive thinking.

The children, equipped with laptops to facilitate their learning, dived into designing personalized birthday cards and positive affirmation flashcards. The energy in the room was electric as they brought their ideas to life, using vibrant colors and imaginative layouts. Each child’s work reflected their unique personality, with affirmations that spoke to their inner strength and positivity. It was clear that this activity resonated deeply with them, not only as a creative outlet but also as a means to boost their self-esteem. At the same time, this session served as a means for the children to get to know one another and bond.

Following the design session, we took the excitement outdoors to Box2Box in Rochdale, where the children had the opportunity to burn off some energy on the football pitch. The mix of ages didn’t deter the fun—both young and older children joined in, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. The smiles on their faces as they ran, kicked, and laughed together were a testament to the joy that simple outdoor play can bring.

As the days went by, at our center, the creativity continued with a hands-on paper decoration session. The children eagerly crafted headbands and greeting cards, each piece a reflection of their personal style and imagination. The pride in their work was evident as they exchanged smiles and compliments, sharing in the joy of creating something beautiful with their own hands. The sense of accomplishment and community spirit was palpable which made it all the more memorable.

The fun didn’t stop there. We also engaged the children in a series of mind games, encouraging them to use their imaginations and work together. On one of those days, charades and musical chairs emerged as the favorite games, filling the room with laughter and playful competition. These activities not only entertained but also highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication, as the children cheered each other on and celebrated each other’s successes.

One of the highlights of the program was an engaging session focused on fruits and vegetables—making healthy eating both fun and educational. The children learned various ways to enjoy their favorite produce, from juicing oranges to creatively slicing cucumbers, carrots, and apples. The real star of the session was the pomegranate, a new and exciting fruit for many of the kids, which quickly became a favorite. This session not only taught the children about healthy eating but also allowed them to explore different textures and tastes in a way that was anything but boring.

In another creative endeavor, the children explored the art of collage-making. They were guided to draw still life objects of their choice and then brought their drawings to life by applying adhesive and sticking soft materials to create textured artworks. The process of sorting colors and carefully placing materials was both fun and educational, giving the children a new appreciation for art and creativity. The printmaking session was equally engaging, introducing the children to the concept of duplicating patterns on surfaces. This simple yet fascinating technique allowed them to explore color juxtaposition and abstract art, sparking a desire for further creative exploration.

To round off the week, we offered a variety of games that kept the children engaged and excited. From the classic Jenga and Ludo to the lively musical chairs and balloon-popping contests, there was something for everyone. The children moved from one activity to the next with boundless energy, each game providing a new opportunity for fun and connection.

Looking Forward to More Adventures

As we reflect on the past few weeks, it’s clear that the HAF program is more than just a series of activities—it’s a journey of growth, creativity, and shared experiences. Each session has brought the children closer together, teaching them the value of teamwork, the joy of creative expression, and the importance of having fun.

We can’t wait to unfold to you the rest of what HAF summer presented these children. Join us again in our next article!