Local youth transform Rochdale Mind’s Listening Lounge into calming sanctuary

Friday, 4 July 2025 10:41

By David Murphy

Eleven local young people have completed a remarkable transformation of Rochdale and District Mind’s Listening Lounge, a vital space providing support to people experiencing mental health distress.

The group undertook the renovation as part of Groundwork Greater Manchester’s Team Programme, a 12 week personal development course designed for 16 to 25 year olds. Delivered in partnership with The King’s Trust, the programme helps young adults build skills, confidence, and make tangible contributions to their communities.

The Listening Lounge had not undergone significant renovation in over five years. Guided by Rochdale Mind’s calming visual branding, the young team revitalised the room into a welcoming and peaceful environment that enhances the experience for individuals using the charity’s critical wellbeing support services.

Elle Cody of Rochdale and District Mind praised the efforts, saying: "We are extremely grateful to the Groundwork and King’s Trust team. The creativity and care these young people have shown have truly revitalised the heart of our Wellbeing Centre, making the Listening Lounge feel brand new again."

Rochdale Mind is appealing for further community support and engagement to continue improvements across the Wellbeing Centre, inviting donations of time, resources, or materials.

Anyone interested in supporting this ongoing work is encouraged to contact the charity directly.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Further arrests in Rochdale and Manchester as GMP intensifies crackdown on historic child sex abuse

Specialist investigation team arrests more suspects and secures major convictions as survivors of non-recent exploitation continue to come forward
Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’