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

You can find out more about Cartwheel Arts programmes by visiting CartwheelArts.org.uk

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

*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/

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

“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

Safe Space Directory 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.

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

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.

Today's episode features two amazing women, Jackie and Ivy united through friendship and volunteering.  

Jackie shares her story of losing custody of her daughter due to undiagnosed postnatal psychosis, but her life did turn around when she was finally correctly diagnosed, reunited with her daughter and re- invigorated through volunteering. And Ivy also talks about how her life changed and blossomed through volunteering, friendships, and going back to school at the age of 40.

Trigger Warning - Reference to post-natal depression and family bereavement.

For further support:

Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271

Credits:

This story was told to Danielle Porter from Cartwheel Arts.

This episode is produced by Cartwheel Arts. 

Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together.

Kimberley talks about how she struggled through both her pregnancy’s due to hyperemesis and post-natal depression, and how this led her to set up the Women of Whitworth project to celebrate local women and their achievements.

Trigger Warning - Reference to post-natal depression.

For further support:

Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271

Credits:

This story was told to Danielle Porter from Cartwheel Arts.

This episode is produced by Cartwheel Arts.

Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together.

"Don't suffer in Silence".  Dani talks about her mental health journey, her addiction, the abuse she suffered at the hands of her perpetrator and how she has rebuilt her life. Dani tells us how she has used art as not only a form of therapy but also in helping her set up her successful business. 

Trigger Warning - Reference to suicide, mental health, alcohol addiction, severe weight loss. 

For further support:

Soul Sisters https://soulsisters.org.uk/

Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271

Credits:

This story was told to Asma Begum from Soul Sisters.

This episode is produced & edited by Asma Begum.

Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together.

Mel tells us how history can repeat itself, how she wishes she had spoken up and the pain of losing her children. Listen to how Mel is turning her life around and how she has found her voice and inner strength.

*Trigger warning contains references to domestic abuse.

For further support:

Rochdale Connections Trust https://www.r-c-t.co.uk

For Further Support: Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271

Credits:

This story was told to Jenny Miller from Rochdale Connections Trust.

This episode is produced by Jack Donnelly, further edits by Danielle Porter.

Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together.

This week we listen to Sharon sharing an all too familiar story of how mental abuse from a partner can quickly escalate to physical, and how isolating this can be.

*Trigger warning contains references to domestic abuse.

For further support:

Rochdale Connections Trust https://www.r-c-t.co.uk

For Further Support: Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271

Credits:

This story was told to Jenny Miller from Rochdale Connections Trust.

This episode is produced by Jack Donnelly, further edits by Danielle Porter.

Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together.