Oldham

Mental Health Awareness Week | Funding Opportunities

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place between 13-17 May 2024 - an important week to shine a light on mental health and break down stigma.

Action Together secure investment that supports local action, removes barriers and helps to get funding to where it’s needed most.

This week, we would like to highlight the funding opportunities we have available for member organisations who support individuals to help better their wellbeing:

graphic illustration of hands holding flag banners in the air with various logos

Barchester Healthcare Foundation

The Foundation aims to make a difference to the lives of older people and other adults with a physical, learning or mental disability; supporting practical solutions that lead to increased personal independence, self-sufficiency and dignity. The aim of this fund is on connecting or re-connecting people with others in their local community. Applications that combat loneliness and enable people to be active and engaged will receive highest priority.

Grant amount: from £100 to £2,500
Deadline: Applications may be submitted at any time

Bally's Foundation

The main focus of the Foundation is on providing grants and funding to organisations to preserve and protect the wellbeing of individuals suffering from mental health issues.

Grant amount: Funding is at the discretion of the Foundation
Deadline: There are no application deadlines

Douglas Arter Foundation

Grants are available to UK registered charities for projects for the benefit of people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities within the UK.

Grant amount: Funding is provided at the discretion of the Trustees. Previous grants have been for between £500 and £2,000, with the majority being given in the £250 to £500 range

Deadline: Applications may be submitted at any time

Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust - Ann Rylands Small Donations Programme

The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust offers grants to UK based charitable organisations which offer practical and emotional support to improve health and care for; older people, people with disabilities or living with serious illness, people needing palliative and end-of-life care, or people facing challenges with mental health, social exclusion or homelessness

Grant amount: up to £5,000
Deadline: Applications may be submitted at any time

CRH Charitable Trust

The funding is for charitable activities that seek to support children, young people and adults with mental illness and mental disability in north west England.

Grant amount: There is no specific maximum or minimum grant
Deadline: Rolling programme

Synergi Small Grants Fund

The funding aims to support grassroots campaigning at the intersection between abolition, mental health and racial justice.

Grant amount: £5,000 are available
Deadline: 30 May 2024

Funding support for you

If you have any queries about the funding available from Action Together, please emailing our Funding team at funding@actiontogether.org.uk

If your group would like support with a funding application, please email our Development team at development@actiontogether.org.uk

The positive impacts of Community Gardening

This week is #CommunityGardenWeek, (1-7 April), where community gardens up and down the country are celebrated. The benefits of gardening to our health, happiness and mental wellbeing are well documented, not to mention the positive impact for the environment.

Our local communities across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside have a wealth of environmentally focused groups and activities from local neighbourhood gardens to community growing projects. The relationship between access to local green spaces and being involved in a positive, community-oriented environment can contribute to a greater sense of wellbeing and fulfilment.

Many of our members regularly volunteer for, or are involved in, gardening projects and groups in our communities, including individuals being referred via our Oldham Social Prescribing offer.

We spoke to Oldham Social Prescribing client Tracey who, after volunteering at Northern Roots and Oasis Hub Oldham, now has paid employment with both organisations. Tracey has been supported by both our Volunteering team and Social Prescribing team, and she told us just what it means to her to be involved.

“I love being outdoors, it really is my happy place. I have always loved gardening and both of the projects I am involved with allow me to fulfil my passion every week. I had volunteered for Oasis Hub for around eight years when, three years ago the opportunity for a role came up and I went for it. I am now the Gardening Lead at Oasis Garden Hub and it is wonderful. I run community allotment sessions every Tuesday from 10am-2pm where everyone is welcome and we're always looking for volunteers.
Following redundancy just before the pandemic I also became involved with Northern Roots, where I am a Community Champion. We work on lots of brilliant projects and the site is amazing. I love my time there, and both of my roles really help me with my confidence and wellbeing.”

Do you love gardening and are feeling inspired? Why not check out some of the wonderful groups and projects on offer in your local community?

Here are just a few examples of our many member organisations across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside. To find a project local to you, take a look at our Community Activities Directory, or get in touch with us directly to see how we can help support you to find an a project or group suited to you: volunteering@actiontogether.org.uk

Oldham Community Gardening Groups

Northern Roots
A stunning community green space in the heart of Oldham. Northern Roots comprises 160 acres of green space and is a destination for learning, leisure and growing to benefit the environment, and improve health, wellbeing and livelihoods. Learn more: twitter.com/NorthernRootsOL/status/1772557728830910966

Oasis Gardening Hub
Part of Oasis Hub Oldham, Oasis Gardening Hub is a gardening group based in Limeside, Oldham. Learn more: twitter.com/Gardeningoasis1

NorthernLily
Failsworth based NorthernLily is a social enterprise connecting people to nature on land and water. They have an acre site including polytunnels, and welcome people to connect with nature, meet new people, and make a difference in the community. Learn more: www.facebook.com/NorthernLily/

Rochdale Community Gardening Groups

The Growth Project Rochdale
The Growth Project, in partnership with Rochdale and District Mind and Hourglass Environment, has been delivering help and support to people with mental health issues since 2009 in the form of food growing, conservation and skill-based learning projects. Their new project for 2024 is to develop and build a new shelter which is replacing the original building built in 2009. Learn more: www.facebook.com/Hourglass.org.uk/

Q Gardens
A community gardening group based in Kirkholt working with people from all walks of life to promote physical and mental wellbeing by offering a welcome space to learn about gardening and meet other people. Learn more: www.facebook.com/groups/1526322248185066/

PIER
Petrus Incredible Edibles Rochdale (PIER) a community allotment on Belfield Road in Rochdale is a beautiful, relaxing, and therapeutic piece of land, growing fruit and vegetables. Their vision is to create kind, confident and connected communities through the power of food: www.petrus.org.uk/pier/

Tameside Community Gardening Groups

Leap Community Green Gardening Club
A small and friendly gardening group offering the opportunity to learn hands-on green skills a safe nature-based environment: www.facebook.com/TheLeapCentre

Wildflower Community Garden
The Community Garden, in Dukinfield, aims to bring the community together from young to old, to grow food, herbs and wildflowers with educational programmes for health and wellbeing. Learn more: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064934190735

Incredible Edible Mossley
Incredible Edible is a small community group that started in 2015 in Mossley. They grow fruit, herbs and vegetables in any suitable space, and for the benefit of the community. Learn more: www.facebook.com/incredible.edible.mossley/

More information

Want to learn more about the positive impacts of community gardening? Check out these wonderful articles from RHS and UK Research and Innovation:

www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/community-gardening/news/articles/growing-a-garden-for-wellbeing

www.ukri.org/what-we-do/iyph2020/how-plants-promote-better-mental-health-and-wellbeing/

Oldham Town Centre welcomes back the Volunteer Fair

On Tuesday 20 August 2024, the Action Together Volunteer Fair made it's grand return to Oldham Town Centre. This event gave local organisations the chance to shout about their fantastic volunteering opportunities and members of the public a chance to find out more about what is available to them!

Stalls from organisations with varied volunteer opportunities filled the streets of Oldham Town Centre, ranging from volunteering with the youth zones, adult day care, the NHS, mentoring, wildlife centres and even with us at Action Together!

We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to the organisations who joined us to highlight the incredible contributions volunteers make to the community of Oldham, and how the community can get involved in local volunteering.

Oldham Community Lottery celebrates 1st Birthday!

Since its launch in August 2023, the Oldham Community Lottery has raised an incredible £19,562.40 for organisations registered as Good Causes across Oldham! More than 60 local groups have signed up as part of a fun and effective way to raise funds for their valued services in the community.

We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to supporters who have continued to purchase tickets and help raised funds for local organisations.

Players of the Oldham Community Lottery can win weekly cash prizes up to the £25,000 jackpot for just £1 per ticket.

50% of the £1 ticket goes directly to the Good Cause of your choice with a further 10% going to the community fund, which is used to further support local good causes.

Since joining the Oldham Community Lottery in August 2023, Oldham Community Radio have raised £1,096.

“The ease of working with the lottery is first and foremost, the administration of being involved is the Oldham Community Lottery is practically zero because it has such a great team that do all the work for you!

The fact that we can look back and see that we have raised over £1,000 in a year isn’t bad at all! For an organisation like Community Radio, we can do a lot with that.

I think it goes without saying, but anyone who comes along and supports us in any way, shape or form, we owe them a debt of gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has supported us through the Oldham Community Lottery and bought tickets.” - Oldham Community Radio

Since joining the Oldham Community Lottery in July 2023, Firwood and District Residents Association have raised £654.

“To other organisations thinking about becoming a good cause...It's a no brainer! It doesn't cost anything. Your good cause is promoted via the lottery with little input from yourselves. It elevates the status of your cause as being part of something bigger in Oldham." - Firwood and District Residents Association

group of men and women smiling with gardening tools in communal green area

Good causes not only benefit from receiving 50% of the profits from ticket sales from their page they also receive a host of marketing materials as well as their own Oldham Community Lottery web page!

Are you a local not-for-profit group looking to diversify your fundraising income in a fun and effective way? Or, maybe you know of a PTA, sports club, or other charity that it looking for a sustainable way to raise funds?

Good causes can sign up for FREE at any time, it’s so easy to do, simply visit www.oldhamcommunitylottery.co.uk to register.

If you have any queries, please get in touch:
Email: support@oldhamcommunitylottery.co.uk
Tel: 0161 397 2030 (Our support line is open 9am-5:30pm, Monday to Friday)

South Asian Heritage Month and Yuvanis Foundation

Join us as we mark South Asian Heritage Month 2024, by sharing some stories from our Action Together member organisations to highlight the richness and diversity of their South Asian Heritage, and find out just what this celebration means to them.

Here's our interview with Zakir Ahmad, CEO of Oldham community organisation, Yuvanis Foundation, an organisation who have been committed to empowering and uplifting individuals from diverse BAME backgrounds since their launch in 2009.

community group of people smiling at event

Can you tell us about yourself and your organisation?

I have been leading Yuvanis Foundation, a grassroots charity based in Chadderton, for over 14 years. Our organisation is dedicated to supporting the South Asian community and tackling inequality within our community. We focus on improving health equity, providing sports and recreational opportunities, and fostering social inclusion for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our initiatives are designed to bridge gaps, create connections, and build a sense of community that transcends cultural and socio-economic barriers.

group of children sat on floor watching children's entertainers

What have you done for your community that you would like people to know about?

One of our significant achievements is the establishment of wellbeing hubs, including our Women’s Hub, Youth Hub, and Men’s Hub. These hubs offer tailored programs that address physical health, mental wellbeing, and personal development. For instance, our Women's Hub has been instrumental in improving the mental and physical health of women from underserved and disadvantaged Ethnic Minority communities in Oldham.

We also organise various activities such as weekly football sessions, cycling sessions, and holiday activities that have positively impacted the lives of young people. Our cycling initiative is a noteworthy example. Through it, we have trained eight volunteers in leading cycling groups; trained multiple groups of women to cycle for the first time; engaged more than 50 young people in cycle maintenance and confidence building group cycle rides.

teams of children in coloured bibs lining up to play games on indoor football pitch

Why do you feel it is important to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month?

Celebrating South Asian Heritage is crucial as it acknowledges the rich cultural contributions of the South Asian community to the broader society. It fosters a sense of pride and identity among South Asians, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation within the wider community. By celebrating our heritage, we also highlight the challenges faced by South Asians, encouraging solidarity and collective action to address these issues. It's a way to honour our past, celebrate our present, and inspire future generations to uphold our values and traditions.

group of women and girls gathered round a table

What change would you like to see in Oldham that would benefit the South Asian community?

I would like to see increased investment in community-led initiatives that address the specific needs of the South Asian community in Oldham. This includes better access to health services, educational opportunities, and employment support tailored to our community's unique challenges.

I also envision a more inclusive and cohesive society where cultural diversity is celebrated, and systemic barriers to equality are removed. Strengthening partnerships between local authorities, businesses, and community organisations, like Yuvanis Foundation, is essential to drive this change and ensure sustainable development.

girls wearing headscarves writing and drawing at table

And finally, what would you say to people of South Asian heritage in Greater Manchester to inspire them to make a difference in the community or wider?

To the people of South Asian heritage in Greater Manchester, I would say, your unique experiences and cultural heritage are invaluable assets. Use them to make a positive impact in your community. Get involved, volunteer, and support local initiatives. By contributing your time, skills, and resources, you can help build a stronger, more inclusive society. Remember, every small action counts and collectively, we can create significant change. Let's celebrate our heritage not just through words, but through actions that uplift our community and inspire future generations.

group of cyclists wearing helmets overlooking lake with passenger boat on it

South Asian Heritage Month and KYP

Here's our interview with Rochdale based KYP, a leading community/voluntary organisation, who are celebrating a staggering 44 years of providing services and support to the communities of Rochdale!

group of employees from KYP smiling in front of green, white and gold happy birthday balloons

Can you tell us about yourself and your organisation?

Kashmir Youth Project (KYP), founded in 1979, is a prominent VCSE organisation based in central Rochdale. As an independent charity with a rich history spanning over four decades, KYP is well recognised and trusted in the community and is committed to fostering the development and economic regeneration of South Asian and other ethnically diverse communities in the borough of Rochdale. We strive to empower people to achieve their potential, enhance their prosperity and live sustainably.

The organisation was established by a group of young people to assist individuals and communities adjust to the impact of the decline of the textile industry and the closure of mills in which many people of South Asian origin were employed. The initial focus was to provide advice on benefits & welfare rights and support people find alternative employment. The focus very quickly shifted (based on emerging needs) to raising youth aspirations, learning new skills and promoting access to further education.

woman wearing head scarf using sewing machine

What have you done for your community that you would like people to know about?

We have a solid track record of engaging with and providing support to individuals from South Asian backgrounds (Pakistan, Kashmir, Bangladesh) and to those from other diverse and marginalised communities (including refugees and asylum seekers from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, Somalia, etc).

KYP’s support to the communities culminates in:

Over 30 years of employment and skills training to the local community – including Community Learning, AEB, Apprenticeships and SSFW.

30 years of providing on-site childcare through our Little Gems Nursery

Over 15 years of delivering Adult care through the Unity House / Apna Ghar facilities

Over 15 years delivery of Ethnic Minority Business Support

Successful delivery of the AMIF programme (including ESOL, Integration, LIUK support) reaching over 964 people over four years

711 TCN’s, 182 Afghans, 71 Ukrainians (78.9%) achieved either Life in the UK or ESOL qualification.

30 years of managed workspace for new business startups and existing businesses

Our current provision includes:

Adult Education – Childcare, Health and Social Care, Maths and English

Little Gems Nursery - a 37-place community Nursery

KYP Pantry – Providing culturally and religiously appropriate food

Advice and Welfare Service – Free bilingual face to face service

Job Club – Employability support

Apna Ghar – Day care for older men and women

Social Prescribing – Referrals from network partners

Community Facilities – Community functions and events

Restart Programme- Employability and ESOL courses

Tackling Health Inequalities – Addressing Health and Wellbeing for BAME Women

GMCA/WEA – Community Engagement and progression opportunities

Rochdale Ethnic Communities Network – KYP Leads this network of organisations and Leaders

GM Ethnic Communities Network – KYP is part of the Leadership Group and is represented on the Board of Directors

Rochdale Diversity Awards – KYP manages and hosts these prestigious Awards

group of women in sewing class working on patterns

What is KYP doing for South Asian Heritage Month?

We're holding several events including;

Celebration of Women’s Voices through Creative Writing (Poetry) in collaboration with the Hard Pressed Heritage Project run by Commonword | Tuesday 23 July 2024 at Kashmir Youth Project.

Celebrating and showcasing the contributions of people from South Asia to Rochdale and wider society in collaboration with Crescent Community Radio | Tuesday 13 August 2024 at Kashmir Youth Project.

woman at desk doing calligraphic writing

Why do you feel it is important to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month?

It's important to celebrate South Asian Heritage because:

It acknowledges and values people’s heritage and culture

It instils a sense of pride and promotes positive self-identity

It acknowledges people’s contribution to the borough (and British society)

It instils civic pride, citizenship, and a sense of belonging (to the borough of Rochdale/wider society)

It fosters unity and harmony

It creates an opportunity for social inclusion, and sharing of knowledge/culture

It provides an alternative perspective to what people may have assumed, or been taught in school

What change would you like to see in Rochdale that would benefit the South Asian community?

Often, due to historic and political tendencies, people of South Asian heritage are misrepresented or stereotypically depicted.

Many first generation people of South Asian heritage who came in the early 1970s settled in locations close to the textile mills in the borough. These localities, over time, have steadily declined and the people within these neighbourhoods have been caught up and find themselves in disadvantage due to the neighbourhood and lack of investment within such localities. This has spiralled downwards and the neighbourhoods have featured in the Indices of Multiple Deprivation for over two-three decades. Few individuals and families have overcome barriers and managed to become socially mobile, but quite a sizeable proportion of the South Asian community fall within the poverty trap due to location, circumstances, lack of suitable education, lack of skills, lack of opportunities, etc, due to years of oversight by the public and statutory sector failing to address the root causes.

We would like to see these inequalities and root causes addressed and challenged so that the next generation of young people do not have to suffer the consequences, so that they too can benefit from the opportunities and values Great Britain espouses.

We would like to recommend the recognition of the Kashmiri community in Rochdale for its contribution to the borough.

We would also like to recommend the recognition of the Kashmiri community as a separate group with its own language, culture and Heritage and not to be included in the category of British Pakistani when services are planned.

community group of women with arms in the air and backs to the camera

And finally, what would you say to people of South Asian heritage in Greater Manchester to inspire them to make a difference in the community or wider?

Many first and second generation of South Asians have lived and grown up in Rochdale and consider themselves as active citizens of the borough. This their home and future. They are an integral part of the community and contribute to the local economy and social infrastructure. They are proud to be 'Rochdalians' and love the borough and the country. The experience, resilience, perseverance and determination is enough to inspire others; this needs to be showcased and celebrated alongside any other specific contributions they have made to make their borough and country a better place to live and work in.

KYP is proud that amongst the founder members of the organisation, we have a few honoured dignitaries; Lord Qurban Hussain of Luton; Mohammed Habeebullah OBE; Shahid Malik (former General Manager of KYP) elected MP who became the first Muslim heritage Minister in 2007.

There are a number of other prominent people who have started their career in KYP such as Councillor Dalaat Ali, Deputy Leader of the Council; Cllr Iftikar Ahmed – Portfolio Holder for Health, Abdul Hamied – Deputy Director Strategic Partnerships – NHS England. etc

food bank stocked with lots of food and provisions

South Asian Heritage Month 2024

South Asian Heritage Month seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities. It first took place in 2020, and runs from 18th July to 17th August each year.

The purpose of the month is to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.

You can find out more about South Asian Heritage Month here: southasianheritage.org.uk/about-the-south-asian-heritage-month/

Free to Be Me

Celebrating 5 years this year, the theme is 'Free to Be Me', where everyone is invited to celebrate the beauty of simply being yourself. Individuals, communities and organisations are encouraged to embrace differences in heritage and culture and truly foster inclusivity. 'Free to Be Me' will mean something different to everyone but in essence, it focuses on sharing similarities, honouring differences, and providing a platform to highlight diverse voices.

With this in mind, we're thrilled to bring you some information from the many amazing community groups across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside who are marking South Asian Heritage Month with activities or events of their own.

Throughout the month, we'll also be bringing you some wonderful, personal stories from some of our members that highlight the richness and diversity of their South Asian Heritage...watch this space!

Rochdale Events and Activities

Organisation	Event Information	Date/Time	Location
Living Well	Rochdale Town Hall will come alive with the vibrant colours, sounds, and traditions of South Asian arts and crafts, fashion, music, and acts. The event celebrates some of the work Living Well have done, and the partnerships they've created in the South Asian community. Register for your FREE tickets: eventbrite.co.uk/e/rochdale-south-asian-heritage-festival-tickets-946087141107	Thursday 15 August 2024, 10am-12:30pm and/or 1:30pm-4pm	Rochdale Town Hall
KYP	Celebration of Women’s Voices through Creative Writing (Poetry) in collaboration with the Hard Pressed Heritage Project run by Commonword.	Tuesday 23 July 2024	Kashmir Youth Project, Unique Enterprise Centre, Belfield Road, Rochdale OL16 2UP
KYP	Celebrating and showcasing the contributions of people from South Asia to Rochdale and wider society in collaboration with Crescent Community Radio	Tuesday 13 August 2024

Tameside Events and Activities

Organisation

Event Information

Date/Time

Location

Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind

Community Connections Event - join TOG Mind for talks, music and demonstrations and more along with Diversity Matters North West / Active Tameside / Khush Amdid / The Red Cross

Find out more: www.facebook.com/TamesideOldhamGlossopMind

Wednesday 24 July 2024, 10am

216-218 Katherine Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7AS

Get involved

If you are a group or organisation with South Asian culture why not use this month to share your story with the world? It is a great opportunity to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural heritage of South Asia and come together to appreciate the beautiful stories and traditions of those with South Asian heritage.

The South Asian Heritage Trust have a fabulous toolkit to help you decide on what to plan, and how to come together to celebrate. Find out more: www.southasianheritage.org.uk/events-toolkit-2023/

Refugee Week 2024

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Established in 1998 in the UK, this annual festival aligns with World Refugee Day, celebrated globally on June 20th. Refugee Week is for everyone. It’s a community-powered festival and everyone can get involved!

This year, Refugee Week will run from Monday 17 to Sunday 23 June and the theme is 'Our Home'. From the places we gather to share meals to our collective home, planet earth: everyone is invited to celebrate what our Our Home means to them. Find out more about the 'Our Home' theme here: refugeeweek.org.uk/theme-2024-ourhome/

We're proud to say there is an abundance of support across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside. Together, this Refugee Week, let’s practice our solidarity and make Our Home a more welcoming, safe and sustainable place for all. Whether you build your own event or activity around a simple act or simply take part during Refugee Week, you’ll be part of a movement of people everywhere taking small steps to create a big change.

Our information below captures some of the amazing events happening throughout the week in our communities, and the support that continues throughout the year. We hope you find this inspiring and can get involved in whatever way you can.

refugee week 2024 illustration graphic of people in house made from tropical leaves

Oldham Events and Activities

Organisation	Event Information	Date/Time	Location
Action Together	Funding News! A new strand of our One Oldham Fund for VCFSE groups and organisations that are locally rooted or actively working in Oldham is 'Creating Pathways to Volunteering for Asylum Seekers and Refugees'. Formally constituted members of Action Together can apply for up to £3,000 to support asylum seekers and refugees to engage in volunteering. More details about this grant, and how to apply will be released soon but you can register to attend our Meet the Funder session HERE	Thursday 18 July, 11am-12pm	Online via Zoom
British Red Cross	Refugee Week Event featuring henna, sewing and craft, gardening workshop, face painting, lunch and refreshments with live music from DJ Sarmad.	Thursday 19 June, 10am-2pm	Oldham Baptist Church, OL1 1BA
Oldham Council	Sanctuary Seekers Hub Celebration Event including food, activities, gaming and signposting of their services.	Thursday 20 June, 1pm-3pm	Failsworth Library

Rochdale Events and Activities

Organisation	Event Information	Date/Time	Location
British Red Cross	Refugee Week Celebration with photography and banner exhibitions. Throughout the event there will be food, music, face painting, henna and more. There will also be crafts with Touchstones Museum. For more details contact: lorrainekerr@redcross.org.uk	Monday 17 June, 10am-2pm	St Mary's Church, St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1AP
The Culture Co-op	Artist talk with Curators Viktoria Bavykina and Maksym Gorbatsky, Photographer Igor Chekachkov, and Director of Open Eye Gallery Sarah Fisher. To book a place please contact: info@theculturecoop.org by 17 June.	Tuesday 18 June, 4:40pm-6:30pm	Ukrainian Centre, Mere St, Rochdale OL11 1HJ
Rochdale Borough Council	Free event for refugees, local residents who are interested in finding out more about the refugee experience and volunteering opportunities, professionals and practitioners. Find out more: Refugee Week Celebration	Wednesday 19 June, 10am-1pm	Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Hope Football	RAFC welcomes Asylum Seekers and all refugees to Hope Football Club, and they are holding a football tournament on Wednesday 19 June. They also hold weekly sessions every Wednesday, 5pm-7pm. Find out more: www.rochdaleafccommunity.org/hope-football/ or contact: liz.cotterill@rochdaleafc.co.uk	Wednesday 19 June	Rochdale AFC Community Trust, Crown Oil Arena OL11 5DR
KYP	Kashmir Youth Project will be holding an Eid-al-Adha festival with activities including henna painting, arts, crafts and more. Please contact: Asma@kyp.org.uk as numbers are limited.	Thursday 20 June, 1pm-5pm	KYP, Unity House (Apna Ghar), Belfield Road, Rochdale OL16 2UP
ESOL Hopwood Hall College	ESOL at Hopwood Hall College is going to transform their department into different rooms of a home for a STUDENT ONLY event with health and well-being activities such as football, netball, crafts and relaxation. There will also be a 'swishing event' where learners can take items of clothing, toys or other household items for free.	Thursday 20 June, 10:30am-2pm	Hopwood Hall College OL12 6RY
Cartwheel Arts	Cartwheel Arts will be at The Whitworth Art Gallery with a Pop-up Art exhibition using Refugee Week 2024 theme of 'Our Home'. The exhibition explores the rich heritage crafts flourishing within Rochdale's vibrant communities with experience of forced migration. Get free tickets here: Gallery of Sanctuary-Refugee Week Celebrations at the Whitworth	Thursday 20 June, 4pm-8pm	The Whitworth, Oxford Road Manchester M15 6ER
Skylight Circus Arts	Skylight Circus Arts are holding week-long schedule of family sessions for refugees and people seeking asylum at Broadfield School, with the option to become involved in events throughout the Summer too. Contact info@skylightcircusarts.com for full details.
Touchstones Rochdale	Dumpling Day, a community celebration of dumpling delights from around the world. Sample an international variety of dumplings, join in with exciting dumpling-themed activities and enjoy a range of music in celebration of our diverse community. Find out more: www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/dumpling-day/	Saturday 22 June, 11am-3pm	Ukrainian Centre, Mere St, Rochdale OL11 1HJ
Culture Co-op	Home: Ukrainian Photography, UK Words Tour showcases work from 15 Ukrainian photographers who reveal Ukrainians’ current experience, and fundamental human values that underpin our idea of ‘home’: family and friends in a safe space, the beautiful landscapes, culture, and identity.Find out more: www.theculturecoop.org/home-exhibition	Sunday 2 June - Wednesday 10 July	Various locations, see link for full details

Rochdale Support Services

Organisation Information

Where in Rochdale?

Services provided for refugees and people seeking asylum

Aspire 2 Inspire

1c Regent Street, Rochdale OL12 0HQ

Aspire to Inspire offer a newly launched tutoring program for KS1 children, ESOL classes, a Repair Cafe, a food pantry and Qurbani meat distribution. More information: Aspire 2 Inspire

Rochdale and District Mind

The Mind Wellbeing Centre, 3-11 Drake Street, Rochdale OL16 1RE

You can find the full timetable of activities at Rochdale and District Mind here: www.rochdalemind.org.uk/. They continually offer support to new and emerging communities, and specific support for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Tameside Events and Activities

Organisation	Event Information	Date/Time	Location
British Red Cross	Refugee Week Party with a crochet art table, Henna art, nail art, live music performance along with the first performance of their Drama club Refugee/Asylum theatrical play 'Rising from Ashes' and a meal for their service users.	Thursday 20 June	Church of Nazreen, Ashton.

Tameside Support Services

Organisation Information	Where in Tameside?	Services provided for refugees and people seeking asylum
Home-Start HOST supports families in the community with at least one child under the age of five. Every family is different, so their support is holistic and tailored to each family's individual circumstances and needs.	Home-Start HOST main office is based at Ryecroft Hall in Audenshaw. However, they support families across the whole of Tameside and Glossop, and other areas of Greater Manchester including Oldham, Stockport and Bolton.	All of their services are open to any families living in the areas that they cover. They have a Diversity Coordinator who works with families in their home visiting service with a child aged 0-2, whose role is to coordinate support for families who may have barriers to accessing services, such as cultural or language barriers. Their Dad Matters team also have a coordinator who supports families from a diverse range of backgrounds that may experience health inequalities. Many of their volunteers find that their volunteering experience supports them to go on to further training and/or employment as they gain knowledge, skills and experience. They welcome anyone that is interested in volunteering to please get in touch with them, and of course any families that would be interested in accessing support: info@homestarthost.org.uk
Citizens Advice Tameside have a freephone adviceline, Monday to Friday 9am-1pm 0808 27 87805. They are available for online chat. The chat with an adviser online is usually available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. They also have face-to-face advice access from 16 outreach advice sessions a week across the borough.	Offices are based in Ashton, in Tameside One.	They offer free, confidential, independent, impartial, advice and information on virtually any issue: Welfare Benefits, Consumer, Debt, Housing, Education, Health and Community Care, Immigration (OISC Level 1), Relationship/Family, Utilities. They offer specialist advice services in Debt, Housing, Employment, and Universal Credit claims through their Help to Claim project.
Ingeus creates and delivers services in employment, health, justice and youth.	Moving to new premises in Hyde next month.	Ingeus provide support into employment, such as support with CVs, cover letters, better off calculation, interview skills, mock interviews, job searching skills, support with applications and engagement with our specialist employment advisor who has employers who are disability friendly and neurodiverse.

Events across Greater Manchester

Organisation	Event Information	Date/Time	Location
Macc	GM VCSE Sanctuary Seekers In-Person Event - For Refugee Week 2024, Macc is holding an event on the 20th June. Open to anyone who wants to learn more about recent policy developments, celebrate the great work happening in our communities to support asylum seekers and refugees, and discuss how we can best work together to support people seeking sanctuary in GM. Plant-based lunch and refreshments provided. Sign up here: manchestercommunitycentral.org/civicrm/event/info?id=8646&reset=1	Thursday 20 June, 1:15pm-3:30pm	422 Community Hub, Stockport Road, Longsight, Manchester M12 4EX
WAST	Women Asylum Seekers Together (WAST) are holding Refugee Week Celebrations. Join them for an evening of singing, dancing, storytelling and poetry. Find out more: wastmanchester.com/news-and-blog/refugee-week-2024	Thursday 20 June, 6pm-7:30pm	Manchester Central Library, M2 5PD

Join the movement

And finally, Refugee Week may last only seven days, but the movement towards a kinder, more compassionate, equitable, and joyful world continues all year around. Once June draws to a close, why not carry the spirit and energy of Refugee Week with you and continue to stand in solidarity with people seeking sanctuary. Find out how your group, organisation, school or you personally can 'Join the movement': refugeeweek.org.uk/simple-acts/join-the-movement/

Oldham Social Prescribing | Kathleen's Story

Kathleen was referred to Oldham Social Prescribing for support, as both herself and Husband, Tom, were isolated, becoming low in mood and struggling with the Covid aftermath.

The Oldham Social Prescribing team were able to support Kathleen with a number of things such as housing applications, accessing prescriptions, successfully applying for benefits and attending social groups.

Kathleen shared a bit about her journey with Oldham Social Prescribing:

"My name is Kathleen and I live in Chadderton.
It’s been quite a while since I got in touch with the Oldham Social Prescribing service, and they’ve been absolutely wonderful. Debra and Holly are the ones that I met with.
We first got put in touch a few years ago when my daughter-in-law reached out for support with sheltered housing for me and my husband. We never managed to move but they helped us with so many other things. My husband was in and out of hospital and he actually passed away six months ago. In those six months, they’ve been so marvelous.
Debra introduced me to the AGEUK Luncheon Club, which has led to a lot of things; like meeting new people, having someone to have lunch with and making plans to go out with the friends I’ve made here. Me and some of the ladies now love to go for a Sunday lunch together! It’s been so lovely.
Since losing my husband, I think the service has made a real difference. Thinking back six months ago… I was very, very quiet. I think, if it hadn’t of been for Debra coming to the Club with me on that very first day, I don’t think I would have come.
You can ask my family, they don’t know how I managed to get through the funeral, but they think I’ve coped marvelously, and I think a lot of that is down to Debra.
Not only that, Debra was more like a friend. We’d go over to the community centre for a coffee and just talk. When the funeral came around, Debra helped me with the paperwork, bereavement counselling, pension credit... She was able to help me with so much.
She has got me to a really good place on my own now, but I’ve still got her number for whenever I need it.
The work that the Oldham Social Prescribing team do is just wonderful, they are just like your friends and you can ask them anything you want and they’re very, very helpful. The thing I like about them is that they will spend so much time with you, I don’t know how they manage it, but they really do care. I know they’ve got lots of clients and things to do, but they had so much patience and it’s like they’re there just for you!
If you think you need support from Oldham Social Prescribing, I’d say don’t put it off and get in touch as soon as. They’ve been wonderful to me and I hope they can do the same for so many others."

Oldham Social Prescribing

The Oldham Social Prescribing service empowered Kathleen to embrace the opportunities offered to her and she was able to develop strong friendships. Her new friendships also supported her through her grief and loss.

To find out more about our Oldham Social Prescribing service, please click here

Funding Campaign | Oldham Play Action Group

Carrying on with Action Together’s Funding your ideas Campaign this April, we will continue to share success stories from our member organisations who have received grants, helpful tips to ensure your funding application has every chance of being approved, and highlighting the support services we offer that you should be taking advantage of!

Oldham Play Action Group

Funding: Household Support Fund 4 (£10,000)

Oldham Play Action Group (OPAG) works with Oldham's diverse communities to extend the quality and quantity of play opportunities for children throughout the borough. They are committed to equality of opportunity for children and families, and will actively seek to work in ways which are anti-discriminatory.

OPAG applied for the Household Support Fund 4 as they wanted an investment to provide support with food to households with children in the Oldham area. They were successful in their application and received £8,500 to spend on a supply of supermarket vouchers (and other local retailers which can be used primarily for food.) and also £1,500 to support with additional costs.

"One of the recipients of a shopping voucher through OPAGs Household Support Fund was a Mum with 5 children, ranging from 1 – 13 years. The voucher helped them to do a family shop during a difficult time. The school aged children were eligible for free school meals we encouraged them to come along to OPAGs HAF sessions where we also provided hot meals. They came to sessions at all of the OPAG general venues including Greenacres Community Centre, Poppy Road and Holts Roc ‘N’ Rolls Café. They also participated in the National Playday event in Royton and sessions at Trinity Methodist Church, Royton.
They were pleased that the original contact to get a shopping voucher had led to so many other opportunities and offered activities they could enjoy together as a family.
The Mum, said that both the voucher and the sessions had been so valuable, as she certainly would not be able to afford to do something each day with the children during the school holidays. She said it really helped the family finance to go that bit further. "
Oldham Play Action Group, January 2024

If your group would like support with a funding application, please contact us at funding@actiontogether.org.uk

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