Christmas message from the Mayor of Rochdale, Ali Ahmed

Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Ali Ahmed

A Christmas message from the Mayor of Rochdale, Ali Ahmed.

As the year draws to a close, I want to say thanks to everyone across the borough of Rochdale for making me and my wife, Mayoress Syeda Farjana Begum, so welcome during our Mayoral year.

It has been lovely to meet so many inspiring people of all ages, community groups, volunteers, business people, council staff, care staff, NHS staff and frontline workers who do such an amazing job to make our borough such a brilliant place to live, work and grow up in. There are so many wonderful things happening across our community and I have been proud to see at first-hand what makes our borough thrive. 

Throughout the year, we have been raising funds for Springhill Hospice, Jolly Josh, Parkinsons UK, Get Together After Serving, Rochdale Connections Trust and other local charities. All these organisations do amazing work, supported by wonderful teams of staff and volunteers. Thanks to them all for going the extra mile and making a positive difference. I will continue to visit every part of the borough and meet as many residents as possible, as my Mayoral year continues in 2023.

Local cost of living support continues to be in place for those households most in need across the Christmas period and into 2023. This includes advice on accessing benefits and pension top ups, health and wellbeing advice, supermarket vouchers, discounted food schemes, housing energy support and targeted assistance for older people and families.

Further information on our Helping Hand cost of living campaign can be found at www.rochdale.gov.uk/costofliving or by calling 01706 923685.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who will be working or volunteering over the Christmas period, supporting older and vulnerable people, helping to reduce social isolation and boost mental wellbeing. A knock on someone’s door, or a simple phone call to ask if they are okay and need any support, really can go a long way. Let’s continue to look out for each other as we always have done across our borough.

We have a lot to be proud about in our borough, so please stay positive, enjoy a happy and relaxing festive period, keep an eye out for each other, and have a happy and peaceful New Year.

Councillor Ali Ahmed

Mayor of Rochdale