Well-being group champions women’s mental health during ongoing cost of living crisis

An event to celebrate and shine a light on women that rise up and champion their mental health has been hailed a success as over 60 people joined together in supporting members of the Oldham community.

The Salvation Army in Fitton Hill partnered with Spark Oldham, a community interest company (CIC), to host the free event which gave a platform for people in the area to join together and hear local women’s stories of survival as the cost-of-living, childcare issues and mental health struggles continue to affect people daily.

The event included three wellness workshops around the topics of self-love and care, future planning and mindfulness and featured special guests who had been part of The Salvation Army’s mental health programme, inspiringly called ‘Rise Up’, a free ten-week wellness course which aims to offer a safe space for women who need support and provides the opportunities to join a community with like-minded individuals.

Claire, 37, a single mother of two children, spoke at the event about her own personal growth and development after completing The Salvation Army’s ten-week course.

She said: “Last year I was just a face in the crowd, unconfident, lonely and isolated due to my circumstances and I was struggling.

"I was inspired by the group and what I heard and took a step to be involved even though I was nervous and I'm so thankful I did.

“This year thanks to the women's group, and the ladies I'm surrounded by, I have grown in confidence, self-worth, personal growth and knowledge.

"I couldn't be more grateful. I'm honoured to call them friends and hope going forward I too can help others and have the same positive impact.”

Rise Up is for vulnerable women who might suffer from anxiety and depression, or escaping trauma such as domestic violence.

The Salvation Army is looking for the next cohort of women to be involved in Rise Up, which will begin towards the end of April, and will run on Tuesday mornings at its church and community centre in Fitton Hill, located on Fir Tree Precinct, from 9am-11am.

For anyone interested in joining the course please email: kim.rogers@salvationarmy.org.uk or to register your interest.

Kim Rogers, community engagement co-ordinator at The Salvation Army in Fitton Hill, said: “Rise Up was created as we could see from the various services that we run throughout the week, such as uniform bank and parent and toddler group, 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 volumes and we felt compelled to provide a safe space for them to share their worries and concerns and get much needed support.

"We are excited to welcome the next cohort of women and are ready to enable them in finding that self-confidence and giving them the tools to be the best version of themselves that they can be.”

Supermarket chain Co-Op was also involved in the event and provided everyone with wellbeing packs, lunch and refreshments.

For people who wish to contribute to the work of The Salvation Army in Fitton Hill, Oldham, financial donations can be made via JustGiving here

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.