Weathering Well – Older residents insights on extreme weather
In November and December 2025, we worked with Your Trust’s Active Living team to deliver Weathering Well: Communities Prepared workshops across Your Trust leisure centres in Rochdale. The sessions brought older residents together to share how changing and extreme weather is affecting their daily lives and discuss what support helps them feel more prepared.
In total, 30 people attended four sessions in Middleton, Rochdale, Littleborough and Heywood.
Lived experiences of extreme weather
Across all sessions, participants spoke about how weather increasingly shapes their independence. As winter approaches, slips, trips and falls were a major concern, with icy and wet roads preventing many from leaving their homes. For some, this led to feelings of isolation.
“If I can’t get out and about, I might not speak to anyone all day, or for days.”
Sudden drops in temperature also caused anxiety, particularly for people with existing health conditions.
In Littleborough, where flooding is more common, risks felt especially real. One couple shared how they dug a ditch themselves to slow rising floodwater after being unable to secure funding for flood measures. They now receive flood alerts, while their daughter has recently been able to access protective measures through a local scheme.
Heat, isolation and coping strategies
Reflecting on recent summer heatwaves, many noted that rising temperatures also limit mobility.
“I already struggle to get out and about and I can’t go anywhere if it’s too hot.”
Participants shared practical ways of coping indoors, including using fans, closing curtains, and cooling blankets. Many also felt that better gritting and leaf clearance would make a big difference to feeling confident going outside.
Staying connected and supported
In emergencies, family and friends were the main source of support. At Middleton Arena, participants highlighted a WhatsApp group created for Active Living participants as a valuable way to stay connected outside activities—and potentially during emergencies.
Other useful sources of information included local flood groups and Facebook pages like Todmorden flood group, and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing’s newsletters and leaflets.
Signposting & next steps
Elaine from Your Trust shared information about the WinterWise booklet produced by GMCA, which offers seasonal safety advice. Groundwork also promoted the Extra Care Register, a free service offering support during power cuts. Six participants signed up during the sessions, and three were referred to Groundwork’s Energy Advice team, who help people live warm and well in their homes by providing free energy-saving measures.
Groundwork will continue working with Your Trust’s Active Living team with further training for their staff and community events planned in Spring 2026 focusing on extreme heat.
This project has been made possible thanks to funding from Electricity North West.
