EncouragingYou partners with Kingsway Park High School to inspire compassion during Interfaith Week

EncouragingYou, a local community organisation based in Rochdale, recently partnered with Kingsway Park High School during Interfaith Week to deliver a series of workshops and assemblies designed to inspire social responsibility, compassion, and global solidarity among students.

The collaboration included assemblies for all year groups, as well as a series of five workshops for Year 10 students. One notable session saw students write heartfelt letters to refugees in Jordan, which were later hand-delivered by a charity partner.

This activity provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with global issues and foster empathy for those in need.

The workshops also focused on important local community challenges, such as homelessness. Students were educated on how to support individuals facing homelessness, with practical activities including the creation and distribution of winter packs.

 

 

These sessions highlighted the role of faith in motivating individuals to help others, emphasizing compassion and service as shared values across different belief systems.

As part of its ongoing efforts to support youth development, EncouragingYou also provided guidance on CV writing, career advice, and offered opportunities for educational trips, sports activities, and volunteering. Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a stronger sense of how they can contribute to their local community.

The workshops were further enriched by a special performance from Ismail Hussain, a faith-inspired singer with over 100,000 followers on social media and hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube.

Having toured more than 20 countries, Ismail uses his music to inspire and spread messages of hope. His involvement in the workshops helped underscore the importance of using one's talents to serve others and the positive impact faith can have on driving charitable action.

EncouragingYou's impact was recognised when it was named a finalist at the Rochdale Diversity Awards, which took place at Rochdale Town Hall.

Although the organisation did not win, its shortlisting highlighted its increasing influence in promoting inclusivity and community engagement in Rochdale.

Most recently, EncouragingYou was honoured by the Mayor of Rochdale, Shakil Ahmed, with an award for its exceptional contributions to charity, youth development, and community service.

Mayor Ahmed highlighted the organisation’s work, recognising its significant contribution to Rochdale’s community and youth development.

This recognition from the mayor further underscores EncouragingYou's vital role in fostering compassion, inclusivity, and service in Rochdale. The organisation continues to inspire individuals to make a meaningful difference, both locally and globally.