Christmas message from the Mayor of Rochdale, Shakil Ahmed

Councillor Shakil Ahmed, the mayor of Rochdale for 2024/25

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

The first half of my Mayoral year has been such an enjoyable and fulfilling six months. Across the borough, I have met so many inspirational people, doing a wonderful job to make our borough such a great place to live, work and grow up in.

It has been an absolute honour to visit so many organisations, community groups, charities, schools and volunteers. We have an awful lot to be proud about in our borough, so a huge thanks from me for everything you have done over the last 12 months and please keep it going in 2025. 

Throughout the year, we have been raising funds for my Mayoral charities. Springhill Hospice; The Team Thompson Against Cancer Appeal, in conjunction with Rochdale AFC Community Trust; Aspire 2 Inspire Communities; Rochdale Heartbeat, and Get Together After Serving. 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 want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who will be working or volunteering over the Christmas period, supporting and caring for older and vulnerable people. Christmas is a time for coming together with family and friends, to relax and share precious time with loved ones. Please don’t forget some people may be alone, so 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 all play our part in looking out for each other, as we do throughout the year.

We have an awful lot to be proud about in our borough. As the year draws to a close, let’s never lose sight of what a great community we live in.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas, and a happy and peaceful New Year with your nearest and dearest.