Rochdale

Rochdale

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

OrganisationEvent InformationDate/TimeLocation
Action TogetherFunding 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 HEREThursday 18 July, 11am-12pmOnline via Zoom
British Red CrossRefugee Week Event featuring henna, sewing and craft, gardening workshop, face painting, lunch and refreshments with live music from DJ Sarmad.Thursday 19 June, 10am-2pmOldham Baptist Church, OL1 1BA
Oldham CouncilSanctuary Seekers Hub Celebration Event including food, activities, gaming and signposting of their services.Thursday 20 June, 1pm-3pmFailsworth Library

Rochdale Events and Activities

OrganisationEvent InformationDate/TimeLocation
British Red CrossRefugee 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.ukMonday 17 June, 10am-2pmSt Mary's Church, St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1AP
The Culture Co-opArtist 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-6:30pmUkrainian Centre, Mere St, Rochdale OL11 1HJ
Rochdale Borough CouncilFree 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 CelebrationWednesday 19 June, 10am-1pmNumber One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Hope FootballRAFC 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.ukWednesday 19 JuneRochdale AFC Community Trust, 
Crown Oil Arena
OL11 5DR
KYPKashmir 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-5pmKYP, Unity House (Apna Ghar), Belfield Road, Rochdale OL16 2UP
ESOL Hopwood Hall CollegeESOL 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-2pmHopwood Hall College OL12 6RY
Cartwheel ArtsCartwheel 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 WhitworthThursday 20 June, 4pm-8pmThe Whitworth, Oxford Road Manchester M15 6ER
Skylight Circus ArtsSkylight 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 RochdaleDumpling 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-3pmUkrainian Centre, Mere St, Rochdale OL11 1HJ
Culture Co-opHome: 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-exhibitionSunday 2 June - Wednesday 10 JulyVarious locations, see link for full details

Rochdale Support Services

Organisation InformationWhere in Rochdale?Services provided for refugees and people seeking asylum
Aspire 2 Inspire1c 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 MindThe Mind Wellbeing Centre, 3-11 Drake Street, Rochdale OL16 1REYou 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

OrganisationEvent InformationDate/TimeLocation
British Red CrossRefugee 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 JuneChurch of Nazreen, Ashton.

Tameside Support Services

Organisation InformationWhere 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

OrganisationEvent InformationDate/TimeLocation
MaccGM 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=1Thursday 20 June, 1:15pm-3:30pm422 Community Hub, Stockport Road, Longsight, Manchester M12 4EX
WASTWomen 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-2024Thursday 20 June, 6pm-7:30pmManchester 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/

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

OrganisationEvent InformationDate/TimeLocation
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-4pmRochdale Town Hall
KYPCelebration of Women’s Voices through Creative Writing (Poetry) in collaboration with the Hard Pressed Heritage Project run by Commonword.Tuesday 23 July 2024Kashmir Youth Project, Unique Enterprise Centre, Belfield Road, Rochdale OL16 2UP
KYPCelebrating and showcasing the contributions of people from South Asia to Rochdale and wider society in collaboration with Crescent Community RadioTuesday 13 August 2024 

Tameside Events and Activities

OrganisationEvent InformationDate/TimeLocation
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, 10am216-218 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/

South Asian Heritage Month and KYP

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 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
group of men doing calligraphic writing

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 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
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