Published on: Rochdale Online Date published: 11 June 2021
Rochdale’s Same Difference Community Hub has launched a fitness campaign in a bid to promote fitness and well-being in their latest community project, dubbed ‘Innit Together’.
The hub began the campaign as Covid-19 cases are rising in Greater Manchester and people from a BAME background (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) have an increased risk from Covid.
The campaign, which is open to people of all ages, has been well received with members sending pictures and short videos of their progress. Any form of exercise is encouraged, whilst the winner of the June fitness drive will receive a £100 voucher (evidence of having achieved 125 miles during June must be provided).
Sarah Tinarwo, the project manager, said: “As a community hub, we’re pleased to be running a campaign to encourage fitness as people come out of lockdown. We have purchased equipment for home exercises such as hula hoops, skipping ropes, Fitbits, water bottles and arranged socially distanced walks for a healthier lifestyle.”
The local community support group was awarded a £10,000 community project grant to use over a twelve-month period through the National Lottery funding to support its work in promoting social cohesion within the BAME community.
Same Difference is a community support hub aimed at improving community cohesion through innovative community engagement activities and service delivery to promote race equality and inclusion.
Priscilla Mushonga, the co- founder of Same Difference Community Hub, said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. This will go a long way in supporting our community activities and making a difference.
“Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to continue and expand the work we do that has a massive positive impact on people’s lives. This is important because it helps people regain their lives and families and reunites people especially during the lockdown and post Covid.
The funding received from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest funder of community activity in the UK, will see Same Difference Support Hub continue to provide the support to the community.
During lockdown Same Difference has also been running monthly Zoom meetings, hosting different speakers teaching participants on how to cope with stress. These online sessions have been popular as they are often accompanied by different games such quiz, scavenger hunts, charades etc. This has helped to curb isolation and reduce loneliness.
Last month the community hub also managed to purchase tablets worth £1,400 which were distributed to families in the community so they can access the group’s popular online sessions.
Community members are welcome to get in touch with the club via the website for bereavement support, social services signposting and help especially when isolating.
The hub is run by a team of passionate and dedicated volunteers with different expertise and backgrounds that include social work, health, education, education, law and support workers.