Kirkholt and Smallbridge, Rochdale
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) delivers the Pathfinder in Kirkholt and Smallbridge, Rochdale.
The project, which allows local people to help shape the area they live in, is open to residents and customers of Kirkholt and Smallbridge who are over 50 years of age.
Engaging with residents
RBH Age Friendly Advisor Becky spends time in Kirkholt and Smallbridge speaking to residents about what they would like to see more of in their neighbourhoods and what they would like to see change.
The Partnership Board also meets every three months in both areas to bring residents and partner organisations together to discuss their ideas and suggestions.
After engagement with residents, RBH has helped to install one new bench at the bottom of Hilltop Drive and one new bench on Ruskin Road along with an L-shaped planter.
In addition to this, handrails have been placed on the steps of Broadshaw Edge Close to provide safer access for residents.
These changes have been enabled by Groundworks Landscapes Limited as part of their social value commitment.
What we know so far
Key learning from the engagement sessions:
- Residents feel empowered by place-based decision-making, including having autonomy and a voice.
- Small activity groups are often the most successful - they don't overwhelm newcomers and can lead to great friendships for previously isolated residents.
- Collective action and collaboration is so powerful in a community. Tackling the issues that are meaningful to residents as a collective has a longer-lasting impact.
International Day of Older Persons 2023
For International Day of Older Persons, Greater Manchester Combined Authority partnered with Yellow Jigsaw to film local older residents in place.
Throughout August and September, films were recorded with local residents in each of the Ageing in Place Pathfinder neighbourhoods. Below is the video recorded with Stephen and Lorraine from Smallbridge.
Article Published: 28/06/2024 12:27 PM