Manchester community group helps boost confidence
and togetherness of local women

Community group, North Manchester Sisters, hosted the workshop at one of their free Near Neighbours Coffee Mornings which are held every Thursday at Guinness Care’s independent living scheme, at Broadoak Court, Cheetham Hill, Manchester.

The coffee mornings aim to empower women of different faiths and backgrounds and are attended by a really diverse mix of people. Each week the group run a focused activity or workshop which help to bring Guinness residents together with the wider community, help to reduce loneliness, forge new friendships and develop good health and mental wellbeing.

At the workshop run by Ola, members made vision boards as a creative way to think about setting and achieving their goals. Rita, Guinness Care customer from Broadoak Court said: “I really loved the workshop and felt it was very thought provoking.”

Cat Parsons, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, Guinness Care said:

The Near Neighbours Coffee Mornings run by North Manchester Sisters provide a vital, safe space for our customers and members of the wider community to come together, share a meal and connect socially without prejudice. There is a tangible buzz in the lounge when the group meets up. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly too. It’s an essential meet up that has helped to combat the social isolation some were experiencing as young parents, or due to lack of contact with others who share their culture, faith or heritage.

The community group is open to members of the local community. A follow-up workshop, on Thursday 12 March between 10.30am and 12.30pm, will build on the first and will further explore how life’s dreams can be turned into achievable goals.