BLOG – Rochdale resident’s concerns about a changing climate
As part of the Rochdale Communities Prepared project, Groundwork’s Community Climate Resilience Lead, Amy Wright, has been leading conversations within the community about people’s experiences of changing and extreme weather.
In December 2025, a series of events were hosted in partnership with Your Trust leisure centres in Middleton, Rochdale, Littleborough and Heywood, aimed to engage older residents in the conversations.
Over 30 people attended the sessions and overall feedback demonstrated how much changing weather can affect people’s lives and day to day activities. In this blog we share some of their experiences and ideas, alongside a series of useful weather-related resources.
Cold weather concerns
With winter approaching, many older residents were concerned about an increased risk of slips, trips and falls. Many noted that icy and wet roads stopped them from venturing outside which, for some, led to people feeling more isolated, especially those living alone.
If I can’t get out and about, I might not speak to anyone all day, or for days.
Many residents noted that gritting roads and clearing leaves from pathways and gutters would make a big difference to being able to get out and about, something which they felt had been happening less often than previous years.
Sudden drops in temperature was a worry for people who had health conditions, as they really felt the impacts.
Flooding concerns
In Littleborough, where flooding is a common occurrence, one couple who had been unable to secure a grant for flood measures, had dug a ditch themselves at their house to slow the flow of water rising.
Their daughter, who lives nearby, has received a range of flood measures to help protect her home from flooding damages thanks to funding from a recent scheme.
The couple shared that they have signed up to receive flood alert calls to warn them that a flood is on the way.
Extreme heat concerns
Reflecting on the 2025 summer heatwaves, many residents stated this was of increasing concern.
I already struggle to get out and about and I can’t go anywhere if it’s too hot.
Residents shared a great deal of good practice taking place in the summer months with people placing fans by their bedside, keeping curtains closed during the day and putting blankets in the freezer.
What help is out there?
The WinterWise booklet from GMCA provides useful tips for staying safe over the Winter.
The Extra Care Register is a free service that can provide assistance to those with additional needs during a power cut.
Groundwork’s Energy Advice service can provide advice on staying warm and well in your home.
As part of the project, and based on the feedback provided by residents, Amy will be developing and distributing resources and checklists so that residents feel equipped in any emergency.
This project has been made possible thanks to funding from Electricity North West.
