Our story

Here at Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale Circle (HMR Circle) we believe that people can be each others' solution, and we back it up every day, week and month by helping each other out with life's practical bits and pieces.  

Circle is also about learning new things, and enjoying your hobbies and interests with others in the community. One number to call to help stay sorted, and a social network to help stay connected, that's the idea.

Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale Circle came into being thanks to the generosity and vision of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) when they became the country’s first tenant & employee owned social housing mutual.

RBH provided a seed fund and promotional support to give Circle the best possible start.

We are formed as a Community Interest Company, a not for profit organisation that is proud of our rules, which mean we have to invest any surplus for the benefit of our Members.

The Circle idea is something older people helped bring to life. The original Circle concept was born from some early development work by an organisation called Participle working with older people to help design a service that fitted people’s needs and wants in the 21st century.

Unfortunately, Participle closed in 2015 but here at HMR Circle we have taken that original concept, refined and developed it into the success that HMR Circle has become, gaining international recognition for the work we do in reducing Social Isolation amongst Older People.

HMR Circle continues to grow from strength to strength, constantly refining and adapting the original concept and ideas to give the best possible service to our Members.

Since we were incorporated in June 2012, we've worked with hundreds of people to continue shaping how it works and what we do. Circle is a membership organisation and without the commitment and involvement of Members and Helpers none of this would be possible.

Circle is a new way of doing things that aims to help you lead the life you want to lead, and we're counting on you to help us improve the service and grow the community, so please get in touch and let us know how we're doing!