Lord-Lieutenant's visit, a surprise inspection passed and a packed cafe: quite a week for Whitworth's Stronger Together

A remarkable week for Whitworth carers' group Stronger Together began with a royal representative at the door and ended with a cafe so busy it spilled into the main hall.

On Monday the group welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker, and her husband Robert. Mrs Parker is His Majesty The King's personal representative in Lancashire and the first woman to hold the role in the county in almost five hundred years, and her visit is a mark of how far the volunteer-run group has come.

The same day brought a test of a different kind: an unannounced visit from environmental health officers just before lunch service. The inspectors found everything in order and the group retained its food hygiene rating of 5, the top score, which it has held since Rossendale Borough Council first awarded it in December 2024.

By Tuesday the group's Community Cafe was packed, with every table full and half of the main hall pressed into service to seat everyone.

Stronger Together was founded in 2023 by Angela Forster and Kathleen Proctor, both unpaid carers themselves, after they found there was nowhere locally for carers to turn for support. What began as a weekly coffee morning has grown into something much bigger, now based at The Ashcroft on Market Street, where volunteers serve more than 70 fresh, home-cooked meals every week alongside cakes and unlimited drinks, all free of charge with donation pots for those who wish to give.

The group describes itself as a warm, safe space offering advice and emotional and practical support, with activities including prize bingo, crafts and quizzes, and it runs entirely on fundraising, raffles, donations and grants. A crowdfunded project launched last year added gentle exercise sessions with a qualified trainer, healthy eating advice and a singing group open to all ages and abilities.

Recognition has followed. The founders received a Mayor's Special Award at the Whitworth Business and Community Awards in 2023, with the then Mayor of Whitworth describing the pair as truly inspirational to the community. The group went on to win the Not-for-Profit category at the Rossendale Business Awards, and this summer it was shortlisted for Community Group of the Year at the Pride of Rossendale Awards.

Reflecting on the week, the founders thanked the group's volunteers and supporters, saying the group is truly blessed in the people around it.

Anyone who would like to support Stronger Together, volunteer or find out about its sessions can contact the group through its Facebook page.