Success of Oldham International Women’s Day event leads to new drop-in being launched

Speakers at the Salvation Army's International Women's Day event in Fitton Hill

An event celebrating International Women’s Day has been hailed such a success that its organisers have launched a regular drop-in as a result.

The Salvation Army in Fitton Hill, located at The Brew on Fir Tree Precinct, held an invite-only event for women, inspiringly called ‘Rise Up’.

The free event gave a platform for women in the area to join together and support people who may be struggling around them, sharing what support in the area is available and hearing local women’s stories of survival.

The wellbeing session proved to be such a success with the people who were invited that the Salvation Army is launching a regular drop-in session as a result, which everyone in the local area can access.  

The next session of Rise Up will take place on Monday, April 22, from 1-2pm and will be a free drop-in for people in the area who need support and to speak to like-minded individuals.

Kim Rogers, community engagement co-ordinator at the Salvation Army in Fitton Hill, said: “We could see from the various services we run throughout the week, like baby group and community cafe, that women were struggling with their mental health and wellbeing with nowhere to turn.

"The tears and lack of self-confidence of these women spoke for itself and we felt compelled to provide a safe space for them to share their worries and concerns, and get much needed support.

“We thought there would be no better day than to hold this event on International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating women, and it was such a success that we will be launching sessions for everyone in the area who needs support from April, and everyone is welcome to attend.”

The event was funded by the Salvation Army with financial support from ForHousing housing association and refreshments were available.

The Salvation Army will also fund the future drop-in sessions enabling people to attend free of charge and refreshments will be provided.

Najma Khalid, founder and director of women’s Care Help And Inspire (CHAI) Project, based in Oldham, which helps and inspires women to make a difference, spoke at the Rise Up event and will be part of the future drop-in sessions, along with Jenny Eastwood from Calm Ahead CIC who spoke about menopause.

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