Our second Let’s Talk About Our Health session took place on Wednesday 11th February at The Flying Horse. Residents, business leaders, community organisers, charity founders, and health professionals came together for an evening of conversation as they discussed and explored ideas for two site plans, one an outdoor space and the other a three-floor community building. The conversation was full of energy, and optimism as people shared practical ideas about how these spaces could support wellbeing, learning and community life across the Rochdale borough.
Imagining Spaces
With the site maps spread out across the table,, everyone started to imagine the real possibilities. The group looked closely at each space, thinking not just about what could fit, but how it could feel. There were discussions that too often community spaces can feel overlooked or uninspiring, and the discussion turned to how these new sites should be different to give a “High Quality luxe feel”.
The group explored ways to make the buildings and outdoor areas welcoming, vibrant and full of life. There was a shared ambition for places that people would feel proud of, spaces that could inspire young people and create a sense of energy and excitement in the community. Some commented on how quality and design matter just as much as the services offered. Spaces could become “The place to be”, even attracting visitors to the borough. Others talked of a ‘home for everyone’, a safe relaxing space where health and wellbeing are prioritised. A place to breathe and reset.
Ideas Bubbling
The ideas flowed and people imagined lots of different uses for the spaces including making use of Rochdale’s amazing countryside with green and blue infrastructure such as lakes, gardens and activity areas. Some of the other exciting areas included:
- Gyms for family use.
- One stop Drop-ins GP and mental health support in welcoming, accessible spaces. No wipe down chairs or notice boards but a relaxing and good quality feel.
- Multi-age orkshops and skills sessions, from a shared kitchen for cooking and food preparation to creative projects. Teaching each other across our communities.
- Holiday clubs that are genuinely accessible for families on lower incomes.
- Bright, colourful rooms filled with inspiring artwork and décor,
- Areas where people could simply be themselves, connect and feel part of the community.
- Different zones for different themes. Get Active, Get mindful etc.
- A multi-use floor with foldaway storage so it can transition between uses.
- Mobile units for cataracts/scans etc to improve access.
- Entrepreneur zones to rent with pop up health/nutrition activities/sales.
- Free pitches for kids sport (this keeps coming up!)
- Real connection opportunities so people have identity and purpose, not feeling like a service user, client, volunteer.
- A ‘home’ floor designed like a flat which could be multi-use. Eg teaching kids life skills (washing machine, cooking, meter reading) or mobility rehab for NHS (assessments for home discharge) or a safe space for those who need it (reading, homework, mentoring), Emergency services training (police, fire, etc)
- Outdoor space designed by the community. A haven for wellbeing or some useful areas to learn about plants and food.
The focus wasn’t just on function, it was on joy, pride and creating spaces that lift everyone for all age groups and demographics encouraging wellbeing in ways that feel natural and inclusive.
Ideas Into Action
With the real potential of funding, the ideas were tangible and achievable. Jenny Howarth, Sales Manager at Hampton by Hilton Rochdale, reflected on the evening:
“It’s been amazing tonight discussing ideas that could actually come into fruition. The For Generations To Come Let’s Talk conversations are great for bringing everyone in the community together and discussing exciting ideas for the future of the borough.”
The sense of excitement in the room was clear. Every sketch, comment and suggestion carried energy and hope, showing what is possible when communities come together with a shared vision.
Looking Ahead
The next stage is about refining ideas, exploring feasibility and keeping the conversation alive. Change doesn’t happen from the top down. It happens when communities come together around tables, over a cuppa or a pint, share ideas and dare to dream. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and made the afternoon so meaningful, and to the Flying Horse for hosting.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
If you’d like to be part of future conversations, we’d love to hear from you. Please email info@forgenerationstocome.org for more information.
