ROSSENDALE REVEALED
BARRY Hyde, member of the Promoting Rossendale Partnership Board, looks at Supporting The Rossendale Community’s Facebook Page IN these times of austerity, many families and individuals are struggling to make ends meet and it is more important than ever to ensure that those less fortunate in our community have access to information and links to organisations and agencies that can make a real difference to their lives.
The Facebook page ‘Supporting the Rossendale community’ was set up back in May 2016 with the sole purpose of raising awareness of the groups, events, activities and causes that can benefit the Rossendale community, and in particular, those who are less fortunate than others.
The page encourages posts that promote agencies such as Citizen’s Advice, which can provide advice and information on issues such as debt management, Universal benefits, provide emergency food parcels and help looking for work.
There are also posts relating to health and wellbeing and – thanks to the activities of the members of the Rossendale Community Support Network – it also signposts people to other groups and agencies that may be able to provide additional support.
These include drop-in centres such as St Nicholas Church in Newchurch, the Village Centre in Crawshawbooth and Kay Street Baptist church in Rawtenstall, who welcome all to have a coffee and a chat.
Other venues such as Haslingden Community Link provide meals and a range of activities and support for adults and children.
The ‘Supporting the Rossendale community’ page also post information on events that are community focused and provide potential funding opportunities and support to the community through volunteer groups.
Posting to the Supporting The Rossendale Community Facebook page both benefit community groups and ultimately the