Shahnaz shares her story of how she went into fostering, the reasons why she went into it, and how she turned her life around.

Mental Health and Racial Inequalities in Rochdale - A two part Special

Episode 2 On today's show Danielle went to the always welcoming Deeplish Community Centre, a favoured spot for lots of different groups and local services.  She joined a brilliant women’s group facilitated by Cartwheel Arts and spoke to Salma Khalid an Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner, Naseem a participant and Fareeha a volunteer, to understand the inner workings, motivations and mental health benefits for joining. During the workshop they took some time out for them selves, recited poetry, created beautiful glass art and shared a meal together. The space was safe, warm and inviting. Thank you so much for having us. You can find out more about Cartwheel Arts programmes by visiting CartwheelArts.org.uk [http://CartwheelArts.org.uk] Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women's Services Network, Support by Action Together and the VCFSE sector of Rochdale.

Mental Health and Racial Inequalities in Rochdale - A two part Special

Episode 1. This time Danielle visited Spotland Community Centre to find out more about the New Pioneers Project. The centre was a hive of activity, as soon we opened the door, we weaved our way into the meeting space and mingled with the very chatty and warm women’s group. They were sharing stories, laughing out loud and making plans for International Women's Day.  We managed to find a quiet space to talk to Enus a volunteer and pioneer who shared her story about how the programme had supported her. Laila Almahrug, a Career Broker on the project told us her journey and we finished off with the very inspiring Daisy Silver, Project Manager - who filled us in about the whole programme.   You can find out more about New Pioneers by visiting NewPioneersProject.org Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women's Services Network, Support by Action Together and the VCFSE sector of Rochdale.

Amina shares how she felt learning of her child's hearing loss

*Trigger warning Suicide and child disability “Too many people stigmatise people with disabilities….especially in our community (south Asian). Deafness is a hidden disability there is not much awareness out there, so talking about it like this can help break the stigma, and I wouldn't be able to do this had this not happened to me” For Further Support: Soul Sisters: Empowering People https://soulsisters.org.uk/ [https://soulsisters.org.uk/] Credits This story was told to Asma, Founder of Soul Sisters: Empowering People. This episode is produced and edited by Asma Begum. Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together

Shahnaz shares her story of how she went into fostering, the reasons why she went into it, and how she turned her life around.

“The doctors had said that you can’t have any more children…it was from that point onwards that we decided if we had the opportunity to look after other children then we would” For Further Support: Rochdale and District Mind https://www.rochdalemind.org.uk [https://www.rochdalemind.org.uk/] Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271 [http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271] Credits This story was told to Asma, Founder of Soul Sisters: Empowering People. This episode is produced and edited by Asma Begum.

'Not meaning to be unkind but you never see a girl of colour in the core de ballet'

We had the privilege to speak to Cilla Baynes OBE, a long standing leader in the arts and culture world in Manchester and Rochdale, co-founder of Community Arts North West.  And Bushra Sultana an artist, arts facilitator and teacher who freelances for Touchstones, HOME Mcr and Manchester International Festival.  They talk about how they progressed through their brilliant careers, and how their childhoods influenced their development. For further support: Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271 [http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271] Credits: This story was told to Danielle Porter. This episode is produced by Action Together. Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together.