Stories of Strength Podcast by Action Together
By Action Together
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It's by the Women's Services Network, supported by Action Together and together with partners from across Rochdale including Cartwheel Arts, Soul Sisters Empowering People, Ukeff, Rochdale Mind, Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association, Rochdale Connection Trust and Rochdale Health Alliance
Podcast training: MIC media
Series producer: Danielle Porter
Stories of Strength Podcast by Action Together Jul 19, 2022
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
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/
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
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.
'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
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.
'I've had support from my friends, they have been there at my lowest point'
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.
"The whole experience turned from joy to sadness quite quickly, I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis."
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...
"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.
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...
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.
Hear Sarah talk openly about being trapped in an abusive, controlling relationship.
Sarah openly shares the heartache of having to give up her job, how that affected her confidence and mental health and how being in an abusive relationship impacted all areas of her life.
"If you have anything happening to you, physical or mental, there is help available" Hear Maliha talk about her experiences.
"If you have anything happening to you, physical or mental, there is help available" Hear Maliha talk about her work and life experiences.
*Trigger warning contains graphic descriptions of sexual 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 Millie from Cartwheel Arts.
This episode is produced and edited by Danielle Porter.
Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together.
Lizl talks openly about being the child of an abusive relationship
Lizl from Rochdale Connections Trust talks openly about being a child of an alcoholic father, witnessing the abusive relationship of her parents and how this has impacted on the rest of her life.
For further support:
Rochdale Connections Trust https://www.r-c-t.co.uk
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.
"Some people think of the money, don't! Spend it all on the kids."
This is a heart warming conversation in English and Urdu, hosted by Cartwheel Arts at Deeplish Community Centre in Rochdale.
Writer and poet Anjum Malik speaks to Parveen about her happy life, the benefits of working and the centre of her universe - her family.
For Further Support:
Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271
Credits
This story was told to Anjum Malik 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
"I speak my mind now, I'm quite ambitious and I want to help others"
Sharon openly shares her story of strength of how she got away from an abusive relationship and the detrimental effects it had on her children. She describes the act of one policeman who helped her make the first moves to a new live and the continued support of services such as Rochdale Connections Trust.
For further support In this episode Sharon references the Rochdale Connections Trust https://www.r-c-t.co.uk and Thrive https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/thrive
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.
Razia tells her story of her first job as a welder, realising her strength as a woman and becoming a carer for her husband.
Razia tells her story of her first job as a welder, realising her strength as a woman and becoming a carer for her husband.
For Further Support: Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271
Credits: This story was told to Millie from Cartwheel Arts.
This episode is produced by Cartwheel Arts.
The Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together.
Surviving an abusive relationship, losing her children and finally breaking free
Tamsyn opens up about her abusive relationship, why she kept going back, losing her children and how she finally broke away for good.
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.
A story of love, sacrifice and determination...
The amazing Balqis talks to Millie about her loving relationship with her father, sacrificing her education to be a carer and her determination to be a community trailblazer.
For Further Support:
Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271
Credits
This story was told to Millie 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
'I went on a night out and never came back!"
Mar 28 • 25:24
This episode has been published and can be heard everywhere your podcast is available.
Holly shares her story of being homeless and pregnant at 16, and how grateful she is for the support from Rochdale services and funding opportunities that got her through college and university.
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.
Maxine shares her story of why she co-founded her organisation after her son suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Maxine, co- founder of the charity After Matters, shares her story of why she founded the organisation after her son was attacked and suffered a traumatic brain injury.
For Further Support:
After Matters https://aftermatters.org.uk
Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271
Credits
This story was told to Danielle from Action Together
This episode is produced by Danielle Porter.
Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together.
“Sometimes you've just got to live with the fact that they are not going to change their opinion.”
A local youth group share their experiences of coming out, challenges at school and safety in their communities.
For Further Support: Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271
Credits This story was told to Millie from Cartwheel Arts and Faye from Rochdale Youth Service.
This episode is produced by Cartwheel Arts.
The Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together
"If I allow him to be here (in my mind) he’s still in control and I'm not allowing that any more"
"If I allow him to be here (in my mind) he’s still in control and I'm not allowing that any more"
Jeannette shares her story of child and physical abuse, the impact it had it on her life, and how she turned her life around.
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 Susan a Lead Social Prescribing Link Worker from Rochdale Health Alliance.
This episode is produced by Danielle Porter.
Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together
“Once I cry, the steam has gone out in all the tears!”
The lovely Shellac shares her story of leaving Pakistan for 'leafy' Rochdale, her experiences, the challenges and the champions who have helped her on her way.
For Further Support:
Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271
Credits
This story was told to Millie 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
''One of my wisdom teeth was smashed into 14 peices because he hit me that hard'' Channi shares her brave story of how she turned her life around
“One of my wisdom teeth was smashed into 14 peices because he hit me that hard" Channi shares her brave story of how she turned her life around after being abused as a child and how that impacted on her future relationships.
For further support In this episode Channi references the Rochdale Connections Trust https://www.r-c-t.co.uk
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.
Farah shares her story of losing her children through miscarriage and stillbirth
“They said those words that no women wants to hear, 'I’m sorry there’s no heartbeat."
Farah shares her story of losing her two children through miscarriage and stillbirth, with blunt honesty, humour and poetry.
For further support:
In this episode Farah references the charity Ellies Gift https://elliesgift.app
Safe Space Directory http://www.wellbeingrochdale.info/Pages/Subjects?CID=7271
Credits: This story was told to Action Together
This episode is produced by Danielle Porter Stories of Strength is a podcast by the Women’s Services Network, supported by Action Together
Trailer - Coming Soon Stories of Strength
We’ve gathered stories of strength, from women who come from all walks of life. These inspiring tales are told by women from Rochdale. In each episode, you’ll hear stories about friends and family, migration, motherhood, relationships and health and wellbeing
The first episode is released on 22 March 2022.