The Alan Henning Community Volunteer 2016
Frances Henry
Nominated by Salford Health Improvement Service
Frances is the Chair of Lady James Hall a community facility in Irlam. Frances has raised over £38,000 to pay for the much needed refurbishment of the building. As well as organising major repairs Frances has brought in new activities from art classes to Zumba which has in turn attracted many new people to the centre. Lady James Hall is now open 7 days a week ensuring that a range of activities are brought to Irlam for the local community.
Frances is also involved in other local causes such as a fair share food scheme, foodbank and a carers group.
Her nominator says “Frances makes a difference every single day. She is approachable, enthusiastic and willing to take on the toughest of projects.”
Young Volunteer 2016
Stuart Fraser
Nominated for setting up Sourced in Salford
Stuart is the founder of Sourced in Salford, a weekly supper club in Broughton. Stuart sought funding to rent a room and kitchen, recruited volunteers and now offers a low cost two course meal every week to 25 people, many of whom are from the recovery community. Stuart is also the chef and has put himself through food hygiene training at level 4 so that he can train his volunteers.
His nominator says “Stuart believes those on a low income should have something to look forward to, a meal and good company in a pop up bistro environment.”
Trustee/Committee Member 2016
Sylvia Booth
Nominated by Tindall Street Allotments
Sylvia is the Treasurer of Tindall Street Allotments, keeping the books up to date, preparing them for annual audit and has dealt with over £100,000 of funding from grants over the years. As well as keeping all the records up to date Sylvia has established a community garden and a memorial garden and can often be found tending to this, as well as any other jobs that need doing to make the site clean and tidy.
Her nominator says “Sylvia only took on this role temporarily, that was 10 years ago and she has been doing it ever since.”
Over 55 Volunteer 2016
Fay Wall
Nominated for her volunteering at Charlestown Community Camera Club
Fay has given her time to local causes for over 30 years! Currently she is the Chair of the local history group and also volunteers at Charlestown Camera Club. Fay organises outings and history afternoons encouraging everybody and making sure every member can enjoy the activities.
Her nominator says “Fay is a true inspiration to all. At 90 years of age she is still giving to her local community, she never asks for anything but gives so much to so many and has done for many years. Thank you Fay!”
The Josie Browne Personal Achievement Volunteer 2016
Ciaron Simpson
Nominated by Salford Carers Centre
Ciaron is an active member of Salford Young Carers and Young Adult Carers Board. He has fronted a conference for school staff across the city of Salford on the issues faced by young carers in schools, run awareness sessions for pupils and planned and taken part in a question and answer session with politicians ensuring the needs of young carers are not forgotten.
Ciaron is 15 and has been a carer for his mum for almost 10 years and for much of that time was not aware that he could get support. As a result Ciaron has worked tirelessly ever since to ensure as many people as possible know about young carers and understand the issues.
His nominator says “His confidence and self-esteem have developed and he has turned himself into an excellent ambassador for young carers and especially Salford young carers, he is a young man with a huge future. His tireless contribution to raising awareness has enabled other young people to access services and support.”
Volunteering Team of the Year 2016
Salford Young Carers Calendar Group
The young carers’ calendar group are a group within Salford Young Carers Service. The team are all young carers from 9 – 12 years of age took on the responsibility of designing and producing the 2017 Salford young carers’ calendar. The calendar is circulated to all young carers in the city as well as schools, Dr’s Surgeries and politicians. The calendar is used as a huge awareness tool for the service.
Their nominator says “This group of young people already have huge responsibilities as carers, yet choose to get involved with projects that lead to the raising of awareness and the identification of some of the 70% of hidden carers. They work hard to ensure other young people get the support they need.”
Small Community Group of the Year 2016
Singing with Dementia in Salford
Singing with Dementia in Salford provide a free weekly music group for people who have dementia and their carers. They have a resident guitarist and singer who leads the group, as well as guest singers every month.
Many of the people who attend have lost the ability to communicate with friends and family, but they sit up and sing all the words of a song as they recall happy times through the power of music.
The group also provides support and companionship for carers, reminding them they are appreciated through gestures such as giving them a small gift on Carers Day.
Their nominator says “We started 6 and a half years ago with 16 people attending. We now have 65 people attend every week. It is a wonderful service giving much pleasure and solace to many people.”
Social Enterprise of the Year 2016
Veterans Garage
The veteran’s garage is a community project to restore a derelict terminal building on Barton airfield into a base for a car and motorcycle restoration garage. Originally created to provide opportunities for ex -forces personnel the project now also includes young people in the criminal justice system. As a result of the positive interaction between the veterans and the young people, a mutually beneficial mentoring system has naturally evolved. The veterans have helped young people overcome significant barriers and this has also helped veterans integrate back into civilian life.
Their nominator says “When we began work in February we had no idea this acorn would grow. The veteran’s garage provides an environment that fosters warmth and respect thus enabling emotional healing and social integration.”
Charity of the Year 2016
Age UK Salford
Age UK Salford exist to improve the life of older people in Salford. They do this by providing support, advocacy and a range of services such as hospital aftercare, 1 to 1 support to prevent isolation and a community hub where older people can engage in courses, gardening sessions or just enjoy a drink and chat in the café.
Their nominator says “every service within the organisation has a team of volunteers that are invaluable to the organisation. The diverse task force of staff and volunteers genuinely care about making life easier and more fun for the older people in our city. They go the extra mile to resolve an issue and I’m proud to say I’m one of the team.”
Innovative Project 2016
Salford Allotment Federation’s Dig for the Future Campaign
After being invited to attend an event to encourage people to grow their own vegetables and enjoy a healthy lifestyle, Salford Allotment Federation were inspired to create the Dig for the Future Campaign. The campaign is promoted across the North West in community groups, schools and by the National Allotment Society.
Their nominator says “The campaign aims to influence the development of more allotments, encourage people to grow their own and sends out the message that allotments are alive and well and here to benefit everybody.”
Equalities Award 2016
The Peel Park Pink Picnic
The Peel Park Pink Picnic is organised by members of the LGBT community from Salford. Working in partnership with the local authority, police, housing providers and many more their aim is to make our neighbourhoods a safe and friendly place to live and work by building community cohesion.
The Peel Park Pink Picnic is a free, family friendly event with a range of attractions, local agencies are invited to attend and showcase their services and it brings people together from all walks of life, reducing misconceptions and prejudices.
Their nominator says “nearly half of LGBT people living in Greater Manchester have experienced a hate crime, we want to make our streets and communities a safe place to live and work and by having the Peel Park Pink Picnic, we believe this is heading in the right direction to achieving this.”
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