Growing strength of firm for seniors
ACOMPANY which helps older people around the borough is going from strength to strength.
Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Circle, which offers support to more than 500 people over 50 each year, is to start the new year by expanding its work.
The organisation was set up in 2012 with support from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, before being taken on by resident Mark Wynn, after he spotted an advert for the job.
He said: “I was working in engineering at the time, so it was a complete change of career for me, but it sounded really rewarding and I wanted a different challenge that would let me put something back into my hometown.”
After selling his business, Mark took over the day to day management of the not for profit company, and moved it to Lock 50, on Oldham Road, in 2013 - a purpose built office overlooking the canal.
Mark added: “It was in a convenient location, close by the M62, the train and Metrolink, and we have a lot of meetings locally so most of them are within walking distance.
“You spend a lot of time at work so we wanted smart serviced offices. Lock 50 really fitted the bill. We’re also able to use the conference room for our team events and it gives a good first impression to customers.”
The aim of the Circle is to solve the problems of loneliness of elderly people.
Although the idea was first formed in London, Rochdale Circle is the only one in the UK still running.
Now with four staff, it has already supported well over 1,200 older people and Mark has ambitious plans to expand across the region.
“In 2017 we’re extending the amount of services we offer so we can reach more people, and I’m also looking to replicate the model, starting another Circle elsewhere in Greater Manchester,” he said.
Their current programme includes everything trips to sports events, music gigs and the theatre, as well as regular social events and activities, such as indoor sky diving and horse riding.
Council leader Richard Farnell said: “Circle are doing some fantastic work around the borough, providing a lifeline to many residents and making big positive differences to people’s lives every day.”