Rochdale Circle CIC ‘The Land of the Rising “Fun!”’

 Members of Studio-L, a Japanese based social design organisation, led by CEO, Ryo Yamazaki, Professor and Director of the department of Spatial Design in the Kyoto University of Art and Design visited the offices of Rochdale Circle CIC to learn from the success of Circles work in the Rochdale Borough.

The 8-person delegation visited the Circle offices on Oldham Road, Rochdale to drill into the work and structure of Circle and ask about what made Circle so successful.

Mark Wynn the Director of Rochdale Circle CIC said “it is incredibly gratifying that we have received international recognition for the work we do. We are only a tiny organisation but we know we make a huge positive difference to the lives of Circle Members”.

Wynn added, “We are proud of the fact a Rochdale based organisation is held in such high regard around the world”.

After visiting the Circle offices the party then went onto visit a Circle social event, which was taking place at the new tearooms and coffee shop at the old Craven Heifer operated by Springhill Hospice.

The Studio-L delegation where made to feel very welcome by Circle Members and they all chatted about the difference Circle made.

The Japanese than enjoyed an English cream tea.

The spokeswomen for Studio-L, Noriko Deno said, “Our visit to Circle has been excellent, we are struggling to take in just how successful they are at getting older people out and socialising and having a good time. In Japan we have an increasing problem of older people becoming isolated and Circle could be the solution we are looking for.

Rochdale Circle CIC is a membership organisation for the over 50’s

They organise between 20-30 social events every month, ranging from going out for a coffee, a meal or a show, exhibitions, day trips out, weekends away even short holidays.

Members then select which activities they want to do that month, they can do as few or as many as they wish.

Circle also offers practical support, such as gardening, cleaning, decorating, DIY, moving boxes, changing light bulbs. Friendly, vetted trades people deliver all the practical support.

For more information about Circle visit our website www.rochdalecircle.org or call our Freephone number 0800 112 3440 or 01706 751 165