Page 26 - Real Rochdale Issue 21 Spring 2024

21st anniversary of Rochdale’s

Parent Carers Voice

One of the first organisations set up to ensure
local services meet the needs of children with
SEND (special educational needs and
disabilities) and their families has celebrated
its 21st anniversary.

Run by parent carers with lived experience,
Rochdale Parent Carers Voice held an event
at their Spotland Bridge Mill premises and
asked families to nominate their community
heroes.

Co-chairs of Rochdale Parent Carers Voice, Katie
The group aims to gather the views of local Berrisford (left) and Jackie Ellis (right) presenting Justin
families and share them with local services Axon, from Redwood School, with a community hero award
to make positive changes and improvements. The Rochdale Parent Carers Voice also
It sits under the National Network of Parent celebrates good practice and success and
Carer Forums and is a community interest works collaboratively with the local author-
company supporting children and young ity, health, local services, and support groups
people with SEND up to the age of 25. and charities to help meet families’ needs.

Garden of Eden florist celebrates 10 years

The independent florist in Norden is cele-
brating 10 years of business, after opening
a week before Valentine’s Day in 2014.

Garden of Eden on Edenfield Road is run
by Christine Campbell, who has over 40
years’ experience in the industry, and her
daughter, Natalie, who brings fresh ideas
to the business.

The family-run business survived the
Covid pandemic and lockdowns working
behind closed doors and delivering directly
to customers’ doorsteps. Throughout the become lifelong friends but also lost some
warmer months, Garden of Eden runs craft very special friends along the way too.
workshops for children, as well as popular They will always be in our hearts.
Christmas wreath workshops in December.

“Thank you to all our loyal customers for
Christine said: “In the last 10 years, we their continued support and for being part
have gained many customers who have of our journey.”

REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2024 26 27 REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2024