As part of a new initiative to help reduce the risk of social isolation amongst 50 plus residents, we have been sending in a range of different artists and creative practitioners to work with groups in Smallbridge and Kirkholt. Local residents have been having taster sessions in Glasswork, Woodcarving, Metal Mosaic work, Weaving and Ceramics, before choosing which artforms and artists they want to continue working with. 

Make It Local is a new programme developed in collaboration with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Rochdale Borough Housing. The programme builds upon  the Ageing in Place Pathfinder, a series of pilots exploring the opportunities for social participation in arts and culture for people over 50 that might be at risk of isolation. The pilot series is being delivered across 8 neighbourhoods around Greater Manchester, as part of the Greater Manchester Creative Health Strategy.