“Everybody needs to hear our stories, but we need to frame them differently. Different stories, different spaces.”
This powerful insight from Rose, a mentor and community leader at Mama Health, highlights the urgent need to share the narratives of communities that deserve to be heard. In a world filled with challenges and divisions, storytelling becomes a vital tool for recognition and empowerment, transforming struggles into sources of strength.
At the forefront of this mission is Caring and Sharing Rochdale, founded by Nicky – a passionate advocate for her community. This organisation stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the belief in collective strength. Caring and Sharing is part of the Power to Prosper (P2P) campaign, a transformative program addressing the UK’s foundational causes of poverty, inequality, and debt problems. Through this collaboration, Caring and Sharing works alongside organisations like Prosper Life Initiatives and Mama Health to empower migrant and asylum seekers by providing essential resources and support.
A Seed of Compassion
Nicky’s journey began long before the inception of Caring and Sharing. From a young age, she exhibited a natural inclination to help others, urging her mother to comfort those in distress. This inherent compassion laid the groundwork for her future actions. Amidst raising her five children, she sowed seeds of community service in their minds, instilling the values of empathy and support.
With Rose as her mentor, Nicky found the encouragement needed to turn her aspirations into reality. Their journey took root when Nicky attended a local event, sparking her passion to give back to the community. Her determination propelled her forward, leading to the creation of Caring and Sharing in 2017, and its official registration in 2019.
Unifying Voices through Action
Caring and Sharing is not just an organisation; it’s a movement built on the power of unity. Together with Prosper Life Initiatives and Mama Health, it has evolved into a thriving hub for those in need. “We are all powerful women,” Nicky emphasises, her words echoing the shared experiences of those at the table. With representatives from countries across Africa and beyond – Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and many more – the organization stands as a testament to the beauty found in diversity.
The richness of shared experiences, from hurdles faced as first-generation migrants to the desire for representation, creates a strong bond among members. This collective strength allows Caring and Sharing to host important events, including the town’s first Black History Month celebration, drawing hundreds together to celebrate culture, resilience, and community spirit.
Empowering Through Services
At the heart of Caring and Sharing are the numerous services offered to uplift and empower the community. From food pantries and clothing donations to English language classes and workshops, Nicky and her team address the root of what migrants and asylum seekers need to thrive. They recognise that support extends beyond the immediate; they strive to create pathways for education and self-sufficiency.
Nicky explains, “It’s not just about giving fish, but teaching them how to fish.” This philosophy of empowerment resonates throughout the organisation, fostering an environment where individuals can grow, learn, and become leaders in their own rights.
Overcoming Challenges Together
Despite the challenges that arise, including systemic barriers and funding limitations, Caring and Sharing remains undeterred. The voices representing migrant and asylum seeker communities, often overlooked in important conversations, find their strength in unity within this organisation.
As Rose eloquently puts it, “What unites us is far greater than what divides us.” Nicky’s determination, alongside the collaborative efforts of Prosper Life Initiatives and Mama Health within the P2P campaign, fuels their mission to not just survive but to thrive, advocate, and create positive change in their community.
A Call to Action
The story of Caring and Sharing Rochdale is more than just a narrative of struggle; it is a call to action for communities everywhere. It reminds us that when we come together, our collective strength can transcend the barriers that seek to divide us. As word spreads about the incredible work being done in partnership with Prosper Life Initiatives and Mama Health, the hope is to inspire other grassroots organisations to recognise their potential in reshaping narratives and empowering their communities as part of the P2P campaign.
Through the collective efforts of Nicky, Rose, and the powerful women and men of Caring and Sharing, along with their partners in the P2P campaign, the message is clear: Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future.
In a world filled with challenges, Caring and Sharing offers a fresh perspective—one of community, empowerment, and endless possibilities. Nicky’s story, along with the story of every individual who has walked through the doors of Caring and Sharing, beckons us all to embrace compassion, forge connections, and champion change.