The Women’s CHAI Project- Care, help and Inspire CIC marked a moving milestone with the launch of Her Voice, Her Power – a powerful collection of poetry written and performed by women from CHAI’s community groups in Oldham.
Held at the Oldham Library, the event was a celebration of courage, creativity, and community, attended by distinguished guests including the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins and Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Eddie Moores, who both gave inspiring and heartfelt speeches in support of the women and the wider CHAI movement.
Funded by the Violence Reduction Unit. The collection was, developed through a series of creative writing workshops led by psychotherapist and creative practitioner Salma Khalid, bringing together deeply personal stories from women across the Roundthorn and Greenhill CHAI groups based in Glodwick.
The poetry explores themes of identity, womanhood, trauma, migration, resilience, and belonging — giving space to voices that are often unheard.
“Her Voice, Her Power is more than just a book. It’s a movement. It’s a rising. These women have spoken their truths with bravery and grace,” said Salma Khalid.
One of the most powerful moments of the event came as women, many of whom had never spoken publicly before, stood up to share poems that told their stories of grief, healing, hope, and strength. The performances were met with emotional applause, and several members of the audience were visibly moved.
The event included performances from the Roundthorn and Greenhill CHAI ladies, a poetry performance from one of the young poets from the Glodwick CHAI Girls, and special acknowledgements for volunteers, coordinators, and supporting schools, Greenhill Primary Academy, Roundthorn Primary Academy and organisations who made the project possible.
Speaking at the event, the Lord Lieutenant praised the project for its impact on women’s mental health, self-esteem, and sense of community, while Mayor Eddie Moores highlighted the importance of investing in grassroots cultural projects that give voice to underrepresented communities.
