Introducing….Roisin and Cat!

Roisin Anderson – Ageing Well Development Worker

When first I saw the advert for Development Worker for the Ageing Well in Place in Hulme project, I almost didn’t believe it was real. A grassroots, political, genuinely community-led position was something I’d been hoping to find secure work in for years. I feel incredibly lucky!

My background is in community organising, support work and documentary filmmaking. I’ve worked with refugee campaigners, homeless people, and disability-justice groups. In every role and project, I’ve learned more about the central importance of co-production, self-determination and solidarity.

Since starting, I’ve had generous conversations with tenants at Hopton and Meredith and across the Aquarius community. Over a £1 slap-up full English at Hopton breakfast club, a tenant shared how vital it is to sit side by side, share food, and check in on each other. On a cycle to a digital inclusion session, another community member pointed out his great-great-grandfather’s old haunts around Hulme, from when he first arrived after the Irish potato famine.

We’ve relaunched drop-ins where tenants can chat, get support, and share ideas. Two summer BBQs are being planned, and we’re reviving the gardening club at Hopton with a seasonal crop planning session. We’re also working to make meetings with the housing association more regular and accessible. At Meredith, one tenant has transformed the garden into a blooming art exhibition, and we’re planning to build on this and make it a more social space.

In such a short time, I’ve already learned so much from people who’ve been organising and caring for their communities for decades, and this is only the beginning!

Cat Conway – Independent Living Outreach Worker

I have been working as a caseworker for a number of years, supporting victims of crime, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals facing health challenges. I find it very rewarding to work with people on a one-to-one basis, offering practical support, helping them navigate services, and supporting them to improve their well-being. I feel it’s a privilege to get to know people’s stories and life experiences and to get the opportunity to work alongside them and with other services to improve their circumstances.
I had read about CLASS and Community Savers and their ‘Ageing Well in Place’ in Hulme project. I was drawn to how CLASS is working to empower individuals, support their financial resilience, and help them live independently and thrive in their homes. I felt that this was work I wanted to be a part of.

I have now been working in this role for a month and have been so welcomed by the tenants and the CLASS team. I have started to work with tenants on a one-to-one basis to understand their needs and develop relationships with local services. What excites me most about this role is that every day is different. I love the variety that comes with casework, whether it’s practical support, finding out what people enjoy and ways to connect with the community, or simply being there to listen. I look forward to continuing to work with tenants to navigate challenges, and I am excited to get involved and contribute to the important work CLASS is doing across the community.