The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, known as iDEA is an international award winning programme that helps you develop digital, enterprise and employability skills for free.

Through a series of online challenges, you can win career-enhancing badges, unlock new opportunities and, ultimately, gain industry-recognised Awards that help you stand out from the crowd.

• Digital Skills

• Personal Finance: Payments, Expenses & Savings

• Travel Training

• Online Safety

• Customer Service

• Workplace behaviours

AQA awards are done 1:1 or in small groups with a UKSPF Key Worker.

An excellent addition to a YP's CV or college/training application.

• Digital Skills

• Personal Finance: Payments, Expenses & Savings

• Travel Training

• Online Safety

• Customer Service

• Employability

• Workplace Behaviours

AQA awards are done 1:1 or in small groups with a UKSPF Key Worker.

An excellent addition to a YP's CV or college/training application.

When and where:

Medtia, Oldham, Thurs, 2pm-4pm

Opportunity for YPs to speak with our Wellbeing Practitioner.

When: Times to be confirmed

Where: Kip McGrath, Rochdale

Speak to your Key Worker to book your place

Age 9-25, develop curiosity, creativity and confidence through personalised digital curriculums. Skills shared and developed inc filmmaking, animation, graphic design, coding + robotics, music, arts and more using industry level equipment.

Based in Castleton, Rochdale. Open to ER and EO clients.

Next programme starts Friday 13th March for 6 weeks.

Sessions - 2.5 hours per week. 10am - 12.30pm.

Limited spaces available.

Age 9-25, develop curiosity, creativity and confidence through personalised digital curriculums. Skills shared and developed inc filmmaking, animation, graphic design, coding + robotics, music, arts and more using industry level equipment.

Based in Castle, Rochdale. Open to ER and EO clients.

Sessions - 2.5 hours per week. AM sessions are 9.30-12.00pm and PM sessions are 12.30-3pm.

6 week long programmes.

Limited spaces available.

When: TBC

Where: Summit Up, Oldham

Join us for a fun session on the climbing walls. Climbing can help develop skills that will help in day to day life. For example, building your confidence, improve resilience and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

To book a place please speak to your Keyworker.

When: Every Thursday 10am - 12pm

Where: Medtia Place

Come and be creative on our Art & Design course.

To book a place please speak to your keyworker.

When: Ongoing

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your Keyworker to book a session

What: 1 x 2.5 hour session per week for 12 weeks

When: TBC

Where: 0161 Project, Royton

Speak to your Keyworker if interested in this course.

What: Blog - submit your creative writing

When: Ongoing

Where: Remote - write and submit online

Please speak to your keyworker for information about how to enter your writing.

What: Blog - submit your creative writing

When: Ongoing

Where: Remote - write and submit online

Visit https://positive-steps.org.uk/services/young-people-engagement-projects/ to submit your writing.

Please speak to your keyworker for information about how to enter your writing.

The event gives young traders and performers aged between 13 and 25 years old from across the borough a chance to showcase their creative products and talents for free. There will be lots to see and do for all ages, with performances throughout the day.

 If you would like to take part - either by hosting a stall or performing a set - please apply via the website here https://theteenagemarket.co.uk/events/rochdale-teenage-market-2/

Monday and Friday 2-3pm Riverside

Tuesday 2-3pm Heywood Library

Thursday 2-3pm Lighthouse Project

No need to book on these sessions you can just turn up.

Sessions run every Tuesday - you can do them all or just the ones you like the look of :)

Get Job Ready: AQA in Employability session 

Tues 21st July 12:30-2pm, Tuesday 18th August 12:30-2pm  

Redbrook Mill, Rochdale

Get Job Ready: AQA in Workplace Behaviours session

Tues 4th Aug 11-12:30

Redbrook Mill, Rochdale

Get Job Ready: AQA in Customer Service session 

Weds12th August 12:30-2pm 

Redbrook Mill, Rochdale 

Speak to your Key Worker to book your place!

Where: Rochdale Therapy Centre

Time: 12:30-2:30

Workshop around how to embrace change and deal with different situations. Speak to your keyworker or Nicole/Carmen for more information.

When: starts on Monday 14^th July and will run every Monday from 10am – 12pm at Positive Steps, Medtia Place (Oldham) for 6 weeks.

Non-accredited but a fantastic starting point for learning/improving your English, especially for those going to college in September.

If you are interested, speak to your Key Worker at Positive Steps.

The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, known as iDEA is an international award winning programme that helps you develop digital, enterprise and employability skills for free.

Through a series of online challenges, you can win career-enhancing badges, unlock new opportunities and, ultimately, gain industry-recognised Awards that help you stand out from the crowd.

Chadderton

Places available Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs & Fri

Times vary depending on day - ask keyworker for details

Learn fundamentals of bricklaying from skilled instructors, practice your skills, and leave with a newfound confidence abilities.

A brilliant opportunity to open doors to the world of construction!

When: Weds 24th Sept, 2pm-4pm

Where: Positive Steps, Redbrook Mill, Bury Rd, Rochdale, OL11 4EE

Speak to your Key Worker to book your place

Hands-on demonstrations, and the chance to try out new styles to enhance your skills and leave feeling more confident within the hair and nails industry.

When: Tues 30th Sept, 3pm-5pm

Where: Positive Steps, Redbrook Mill, Bury Rd, Rochdale, OL11 4EE

Speak to your Key Worker to book your place

When: Weds 1st Oct, 11am

Meeting point: Outside Number One Riverside, Riverside Walk, Rochdale OL16 1TR

Speak to your Key Worker to book your place

This would enhance your social skills and give more confidence in meeting new people.

When: Wednesday 22nd July 3-6pm

Where: Tenpin Bowling, Sandbrook Leisure Park, Rochdale OL11 1RY

Speak to your Key Worker to book your place

This course runs over 2 days, first day will be completing the L1 Health & Safety course, and second day will be a course refresh and CSCS test.

Young People wanting to do the course must have ID, a bank account, a CV and an Our Pass to ensure they are ready to secure employment asap. They should also do a Digital Skills AQA with their Key Worker to support with their job searching.

When: 30th Oct 9:30am-4pm

31st Oct 9:30am-4pm

Where: Positive Steps, Redbrook Mill, Bury Rd, Rochdale, OL11 4EE

Speak to your Key Worker to be referred.

• Outdoor cooking, Bushcraft skills, mini-hikes, gardening, conservation- A wellbeing activity allowing you to explore nature and tap into all 5 senses.

Once a month across; Rochdale Riverside, Rochdale Red Brook mill, Middleton - The Lighthouse Project & Heywood library. See upcoming drop-in dates below:

Heywood Library

Tuesday 14th July 13:00 - 15:00

Tuesday 11th August 13:00 - 15:00

Tuesday 1st September 13:00 - 15:00

The Lighthouse, Middleton

Thursday 9th July 13:00 - 15:00

Thursday 13th August 13:00 - 15:00

Thursday 10th September 13:00 - 15:00

Red Brook Mill, Rochdale

Wednesday 24^th June 13:30 – 15:30

Tuesday 21st July 13:00 -15:00

Tuesday 18th August 13:00 - 15:00

Wednesday 16th August 13:00 - 15:00

Riverside, Rochdale

Wednesday 24^th June 10:30 – 12:30

Wednesday 29th July 10:00 -12:00

Wednesday 26th August 10:00 - 12:00

Wednesday 23rd September 10:00 - 12:00

Making scented hanging ornaments and textured plates – Explore your sense of smells, to understand how different scents trigger different responses in the human body, to create different textures that offer sensory comfort.

Tuesday

When: Ongoing (check dates with your key worker)

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your keyworker to book a place

When: Ongoing (check dates with your key worker)

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your keyworker to book a place

Monday 6 to 8pm: Barrier Breakers for YP with additional needs and/or disabilities

Monday 6 - 8pm: Man Project for young men aged 15 - 19

Wednesday 6 - 8.30pm Oldham Youth Council

Thursday 4 - 6pm That Thursday thing for care experienced YP aged 12 - 18yrs.

Thursday 6.30 to 8.30pm Girls Group aged 11 - 21

🗓 Every Wednesday in November
⏰ 1:00pm – 3:00pm
📍 Redbrook Mill, Rochdale

Try your hand at bricklaying and get hands-on experience in a real construction-style activity. Learn basic brickwork techniques, use practical tools safely, and gain an insight into careers in construction and trades. Perfect for anyone interested in practical work, apprenticeships or building-industry pathways.

Where: Redbrook Mill (Rochdale)

When: 14th January 10am-12pm

Where: Medtia (Oldham)

When: Wednesday 21st Jan 10-12 or 12:30-2:30

To book a place please speak to your keyworker.

Step into the world of Virtual Reality and explore how VR is used in education, training, and future careers. Try immersive technology, develop digital confidence, and experience interactive learning in a new and exciting way.

Where: Redbrook Mill, Bury Rd, Rochdale, OL114EE

When: 19th November 1:30pm-3pm

To book a place please speak to your keyworker.

Interactive session exploring how substances impact the brain, emotions, decision-making and wellbeing. A supportive space to build knowledge, resilience and confidence.

where: Redbrook Mill, Bury Rd, Rochdale, OL11 4EE
When: 3rd December 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Speak with your key worker to book your place.

Learn practical self-care strategies to support your mental and emotional wellbeing, while also taking part in festive crafts — including cards and decorations. Supportive, creative and relaxed session.

Where: Redbrook Mill

When: 10th December 1:00pm – 3:00pm

To book a place please speak to your keyworker.

End-of-year festive social including activities, food, music and celebration. A relaxed space to come together, reflect on achievements and enjoy the festive period with peers and staff.

Where: Redbrook Mill
When: 17th December 1:00pm – 5:00pm

To book a place please speak to your keyworker.

Join us for an interactive experience where you'll learn essential cooking skills while gaining valuable teamwork and communication abilities.

Speak to your Key Worker to book your place

Get into nature on Groundwork's bushcraft & survival course. You will:

• build your own shelter

• learn techniques to start a fire and outdoor cooking

• woodland crafts

• plant identification

• small tool skills

When: Every Tuesday for 4 weeks starting 25th November 2025 12pm - 3pm

Where: Mini bus pick up from Oldham (meeting point TBC)

Speak to your keyworker if you are interested.

They offer volunteer roles to young people to help teach them how to recondition old laptops that are often gifted from corporate companies, and then put back into the community through a scheme they have with Oldham Council. 

Speak to your key worker if you are interested.

• Single day visits including packed lunch (minimum 4 hours contact time)

• 1 night residential including 4 meals (minimum 8 hours contact time)

• 2 night residential including 6 meals (minimum 12 hours contact time)

Contact your key worker for more info.

Runs until March 31st 2026

Every Tuesday at RAFC, 10am-1pm

Starting 30th June for 6 weeks

To book your place speak to your Key Worker

When: Tuesdays & Wednesdays starting Tuesday January 6th

Where: Postive Steps

Interested? Speak to your key worker who can refer you. Interviews will be held in December.

Redbrook Mill

Girls only sewing session - Making Owl Decorations

12:30-2:30.

Join a fun and creative activity, learn some basic sewing skills and create an owl decoration to keep.

If any boys are interested in this activity, please speak to your keyworker and another session can be added.

Taking place every Wednesday in November!

Speak to your key worker if you are interested

Join us for an interactive experience where you'll learn essential cooking skills while gaining valuable teamwork and communication abilities.

Speak to your Key Worker to book your place

Speak to your key worker if you are interested!

Where: Redbrook Mill - Rochdale

When: Wednesday 21st Jan 2-3:30pm

Speak to your keyworker to book on this session

Where: Redbrook Mill (Rochdale)

When: Wednesday 28th Jan 11-12:30

Speak to your keyworker to book onto this session

Where: Redbrook Mill (Rochdale)

When: Wednesday 11th Feb 2-3:30pm

Speak to your keyworker to book you onto this session

Where: Putt Stars (Rochdale)

When: Thursday 26th Feb 1-3pm

Speak to your keyworker to book onto this session

• One-day sessions to be delivered between now and 31 March 2026

• For young people aged 11–18 (and up to 25 for those with SEND or additional needs)

• Sessions include:

  • Photography and filmmaking workshops

  • Drone flying and media capture

  • Outdoor adventures shaped by young people’s interests

Free food and refreshments

Speak to your key worker for more information

Gain new experiences and skills while undertaking supervised farm work.

Activities:

• Meet the free range poultry flock, feed the birds, learn about egg production, collect the eggs and learn about bird welfare.

• Watch the egg grading equipment sort the eggs into different weight categories ready for sale. Learn about how eggs are hatched into chicks and the life cycle of the hen.

• Visit the meat goat herd. Learn about goats and goat care. Feed the goats a snack.

• Go out into the fields on the farm to learn about the importance of biodiversity on farmland.

• Visit the moorland adjacent to the farm and take part in our carbon quiz to learn about the importance of peatland and bog habitats.

• Take apart a beehive (with no bees in!) and learn about how our Bees make their honey. Learn about the role of pollinators in the wild and their role in human food production.

• Learn basic livestock care skills such as grooming, mucking out, cleaning livestock equipment.

• Identification training of different insects, plants and trees and learning the basic tasks required to care for them.

• Take part in landscape management tasks such as dry stone wall, hedges and livestock fencing maintenance.

(Please note: There is not time to cover all of these activities, but we endeavour to fit in as much as possible.)

It has been proven that interaction with animals is a great way to improve mental health, well-being and motivation.

The staff at Noah's Art will be bringing a range of their therapy animals for you to interact with.

When: Thursday 12th March @ 3pm

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your keyworker to book onto the session. Only 12 places available!!

When: Monday 19th March 9.30pm - 4.30pm

Where: Medtia Place

Speak to your keyworker to book a place.

In partnership with Manchester Tattoo Academy, we are running a taster session at their studio in the Northern Quarter. Session will include:

• learn the history of tattoo artistry

• infection control and health and safety

• demonstration of machinery and the application and development of a tattoo

• have a try at doing your own tattoo on false skin

This is a unique opportunity not to be missed!

When: Monday 23rd March 10.30am - 12.00pm

Where: Manchester Tattoo Academy - meeting point will be arranged to travel on the Metrolink together into Manchester

Speak to your keyworker to book a place - only 10 places available!

In partnership with Manchester Tattoo Academy, we are running a taster session at their studio in the Northern Quarter. Session will include:

• learn the history of tattoo artistry

• infection control and health and safety

• demonstration of machinery and the application and development of a tattoo

• have a try at doing your own tattoo on false skin

This is a unique opportunity not to be missed!

When: Monday 23rd March 10.30am - 12.00pm

Where: Manchester Tattoo Academy - meeting point will be arranged to travel on the Metrolink together into Manchester

Speak to your keyworker to book a place - only 10 places available!

Take a nature walk through Healey Dell's nature reserve. Enjoy the peaceful waterfalls, woodlands and wildlife .

Next sessions are taking place:

·  Thursday 7th May 9:30 - 11:00

·  Tuesday 26^th May 9:30 – 11:30 – music practice session (no tutor)

·  Thursday 4th June 9:30 - 11:00

·  Thursday 18th June 9:30 - 11:00

Tuesday 7th April 10.30-12pm

Tuesday 14th April 10.30 - 12pm

Compete for prizes 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

Travel Rochdale - Oldham via tram for Rochdale clients 

Open to Oldham and Rochdale.

Rochdale: Meet at Rochdale tram station for 12pm and travel together. Return 15:30

When: Ongoing (check dates with your key worker)

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your keyworker to book a place

When: Ongoing (check dates with your key worker)

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your keyworker to book a place

When: Ongoing (check dates with your key worker)

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your keyworker to book a place

We are running an employability academy to help you prepare and build the necessary skills to give yourself the best chance at securing a job. Sessions will include:

• Work readiness assessment

• CV review

• How to complete a high quality application form

• Interview preparation and mock interviews

• AQA qualifications in workplace behaviours, customer service and employability

• Access to suitable interview clothes

When: Ongoing dates available

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity, please speak to your keyworker about a place.

Where: Redbrook Mill

When: Wednesday 10th June 12-1:30

Speak to your keyworker to book on this session

This short, interactive course is your introduction to Compass Group UK & Ireland (one of the largest employers in the UK).

There’s more to Compass than you might expect. While we’re known for catering, hospitality, and support services, there are also behind-the-scenes roles in areas like HR, Finance, Business, and Digital.

Whether you already have career ideas in mind or are still figuring things out, this course will help you explore what could be right for you.

Where: Medtia Place (Oldham)

When: October

If you want to work in construction you will need a CSCS card! We offer funded courses - Young people must do a construction based careers talk and a one day L1 Health and Safety course before then sitting their test.

Young People wanting to do the course must have ID, a bank account, a CV and an Our Pass to ensure they are ready to secure employment asap. They should also do a Digital Skills AQA with their Key Worker to support with their job searching.

Please speak to your keyworker for further info.

Where: Redbrook Mill (Rochdale)

When: Thursday 16th July and Friday 17th July

If you want to work in construction you will need a CSCS card! We offer funded courses - Young people must do a construction based careers talk and a one day L1 Health and Safety course before then sitting their test.

Young People wanting to do the course must have ID, a bank account, a CV and an Our Pass to ensure they are ready to secure employment asap. They should also do a Digital Skills AQA with their Key Worker to support with their job searching.

Please speak to your keyworker for further info.

When: Ongoing (check dates with your keyworker)

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your keyworker to book a place

When: 6th and 13th July 2026

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your keyworker if you would like to book a place.

When: Various dates available

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your keyworker to book a place

When: Tues 21st July 2026

Where: Meet at Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to you keyworker if you want to come along

Being well prepared for starting something new can help relieve anxiety. Come along to our college preparation workshops to support you with this and maybe meet other young people who will be starting at the same time.

When: Various dates available in July and August

Where: Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your keyworker to book a place

When: 14th and 17th August

Where: Meet at Medtia Place, Oldham

Speak to your keyworker to book a place

When: Tuesday 28th July - 11am

Whether you're searching for employment or simply want to brush up on your interview skills, our mock interviews provide a realistic experience to help you prepare for the real thing. Gain confidence, practise your responses and receive personalised support and feedback from your Keyworker.

When: Friday 26th June, 9:30am-4:00pm

Learn basic first aid (including paediatric first aid) and achieve a recognised qualification - a great addition to your CV!

Speak to your keyworker to book a place.

Travel via bus together from Rochdale Interchange, or meet at Hollingworth lake.

Meet at Hollingworth lake: 11:45

Meet at Rochdale bus station 11:00

Arrive at the lake 11:45

Leave Hollingworth lake 14:20

Arrive back at Rochdale Interchange: 15:00

Upcoming sessions: September dates to be confirmed

Travel together from Rochdale - Manchester via train. (Meet at Rochdale train station for 11am, back in Rochdale for approximately 3.30pm)

Complete the travel training AQA prior to this trip to gain an AQA certficiate! (Taking place Tuesday 14th July 11-12pm)

Visit the cat cafe website - Cat Cafe

From Rochdale travel via train - Meet at 11am at Rochdale train station. Back in Rochdale around 4pm.

From Oldham travel via tram - Meet at 11am at Oldham Medtia. Back in Oldham 4pm.

Thursday 9th July 1-2pm

Redbrook Mill

Tuesday 14th July 11-12

Redbrook Mill, Rochdale

5^th August 11:30-1pm Redbrook Mill

A session focused on preparing you for starting in September. It will cover getting to college, what the first few weeks might look like, what support services are available in college and any other questions or concerns you have.

Redbrook Mill

This session focuses on careers in Health and Social care. It will explore different jobs within health and social care, as well as different pathways. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions and speak with a careers adviser about your future plans.

To book on the session, speak to your keyworker.

• Mental Health & Wellbeing: Emotional awareness, confidence-building, and self-care techniques.

• Cooking & Nutrition: Food education, making healthy food choices, and interactive tasting (optional).

• Physical Activity: Staying active and how physical activity helps brain function & mental health.

• Reset your sleep schedule

• Relax before bedtime & calm a busy mind

• Understand how routine, physical activity and diet also impact sleep.

• Create your own sleep plan & receive personalised sleep tips.

Join us for a fun pottery painting session where you can get creative and make your own unique masterpiece!

📅 Monday 17th August
🕛 12:00pm

🎟️ Speak to your Keyworker to book your place!