Aspire 2 Inspire non-profit group opens Regent Street centre

Community Interest Company Aspire 2 Inspire Communities celebrated the opening of its new centre on Regent Street with an awards event on Saturday (4 September).

Children from the group’s successful summer playscheme were invited alongside local delegates to officially be a part of the opening for the non-profit group.

The summer playscheme, for children aged four to 14, supported the ‘Holidays and Food’ government initiative, spearheaded by Marcus Rashford. Aspire 2 Inspire provided free sessions with an array of outside agencies providing services including local boxing coach ‘Billy the Kid’ from BTK Boxing Academy.

Also in attendance were the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Aasim Rashid and local councillors Sameena Zaheer, Amna Mir, Sultan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed and Ali Ahmed, and boxing coach Billy, who presented certificates to the children.

 

 

All of the guests enjoyed refreshments and finished off the afternoon with the chance to look around the newly decorated building and hear the group’s future plans.

Kalsoom Khanum, director of Aspire 2 Inspire, said she was “amazed” at the turnout, adding: “It was a wonderful way to show the children and families how much we enjoyed being able to provide the summer club, but also gave us a great opportunity to show the local community that we are here, and that we are here to support.”

The centre has ambitious plans, including continuing the established foodbank and pantry, providing workshops for vital skills to adults, tutoring and purposeful focus led projects aimed to support the BAME community (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic).

 

 

However, much of this is currently on hold to allow Kalsoom and Aspire volunteers to work through a huge array of generous donations given as part of their ‘Afghan Crisis Appeal’.

Fellow director Aqub Nazir said they had been 'blown away by the generosity of the local residents since the start of the appeal'.

Aspire 2 Inspire are working closely with charity Care 4 Calais to ensure that the donated essentials are being distributed to those in need. 

If you would like to help or support Aspire 2 Inspire in any manner, please email info@aspire2inspirecf.com