From the Classroom to the Mayoral Chain: The Inspiring Journey of Rochdale’s First Citizen
Becoming the Mayor of Rochdale was never part of Councillor Janet Emsley’s original plan. Her journey began not in politics, but in education — a career built on dedication, community spirit, and supporting young people. Born and raised in Rochdale, Janet attended Redbrook middle school and Oulder Hill high school before going on to university, […]
How Zafar Iqbal Turned a Passion for Film Into a National Community Movement
For many people who arrive in the UK from overseas, the journey is filled with uncertainty, adaptation and resilience. For Zafar Iqbal, that journey began in 1990 when he arrived from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, carrying little more than memories of home and a passion for storytelling. Today, he is the founder and director of Kashmir […]
Rebecca Tarran on Serving as a Deputy Lieutenant and Championing Community Recognition in Rochdale
Rebecca Tarran, Deputy Lieutenant for Rochdale, has spoken about the importance of community recognition, voluntary service, and promoting the many positive contributions being made across Rochdale and Greater Manchester. A Deputy Lieutenant supports the Lord-Lieutenant, who is the official representative of His Majesty The King within each county. In Greater Manchester, the Lord-Lieutenant oversees ten […]
A Life of Learning, Community and Service in Rochdale
Born in India, Ghulam Shahzad moved with his family to Pakistan during Partition, where they settled in Lahore. Ghulam Shahzad spent his childhood there and completed his education in the city, later earning a law degree and a master’s degree in Islamic Studies. Ghulam Shahzad arrived in the United Kingdom in 1976. Moving from Lahore […]
Kashmir Youth Project: Building Opportunity, Changing Lives in Rochdale
Kashmir Youth Project (KYP) has been shaping lives in Rochdale for decades. For many local people, it has been more than a building or an organisation — it has been a place of opportunity, guidance and community. During a recent visit to KYP, Chief Executive Zulf Ahmed reflected on his own journey, the organisation’s history, […]
From Local Roots to Lasting Impact: How Aspire 2 Inspire Communities Is Transforming Lives in Rochdale
Aspire to Inspire Communities was founded in 2019 with a simple but powerful vision: to empower women—particularly within the Pakistani community—to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and break down long-standing barriers. What began as a grassroots effort to support “aunties” in gaining independence has since grown into a thriving organisation making a meaningful […]
Talha Tariq: Spreading the Love of Nasheed and Islamic Art
Talha Tariq, a young artist from Oldham, has always had a deep passion for Nasheed and Islamic art. From an early age, he dedicated himself to spreading the love of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) through his videos, online messages, and public performances. Growing up in a vibrant Muslim community, surrounded by Pakistani and Bengali […]
A Life of Faith, Migration, and Service: The Journey of Khalifah Sufi Muhammad Ramzan Naqshbandi
In this conversation, we reflect on the life journey of Haji Sufi Muhammad Ramzan Naqshbandi, a respected figure whose story spans from the villages of Azad Kashmir to the communities of the United Kingdom. His life is a powerful example of faith, perseverance, and dedication to serving others through religious education. Sufi Muhammad Ramzan begins […]
Compassion, Care, and Community: Inside Muslim Funeral Services in Oldham with Aqeel Hussain
Compassion, Care, and Community: Inside Muslim Funeral Services in Oldham In times of loss, having the right support can make all the difference. In a recent discussion, Aqeel Hussain, a funeral director at Al-janaza Muslim Funeral Services in Oldham, shares a deeply personal and insightful look into the vital work his organization provides for the […]
From Rajdhani, Azad Kashmir to the House of Lords: The Inspiring Journey of Lord Qurban Hussain
In this compelling video podcast interview, Lord Qurban Hussain shares his remarkable journey from Rajdhani, a small village in Azad Kashmir to becoming a respected voice in the UK Parliament. His story is one of resilience, community service, and principled leadership—offering valuable insights for anyone interested in public service, civic responsibility, and social impact. A […]