There are some truly amazing people within your communities, and we wanted to make sure that everyone is recognised for their achievements and contributions to making where you live a better, brighter place.
This year, you nominated in your hundreds to recognise the inspirational people and groups who are making a positive contribution to your neighbourhood.
We would like to thank our sponsors, Inprova, for making this years awards possible. To find out more about Inprova, click here to visit their website.
Here’s a closer look at the heart-warming stories behind the winners and the differences they have made in your neighbourhoods!
Overall winner – Deborah Tesfaye
Deborah does a really important job, building bridges and connections across the local community. Deborah offers help and support to new communities and people in crisis, providing a warm and welcoming environment when people need it the most, showing her deep love not only for her local community but for the city which she now calls home.
Highly commended – Gemma Fish
Gemma is a true inspiration and despite her own challenges, goes above and beyond to support her local community, dedicating time and effort to make sure that for those that need it, they have access to food and support. One of the nominations described Gemma as a ‘hero and warrior’ and we couldn’t agree more.
Highly commended – Macey Keenan
At 14 years old, Macey has already been volunteering for three years and her enthusiasm and dedication made her a real role model. It is amazing to see such dedication shown by somebody so young!
Highly commended – Walkden in Bloom
Walkden in Bloom makes a huge difference in making Walkden a brighter place to be and is a great example of the power of volunteers to make an area better to live in whilst improving community spirit!
Overall winner – Christine Hawksworth, Wildbrook Growing Hub
Wildbrook Growing Hub has a huge impact on the local community with the leadership shown by Christine helping the local community come together. Christine goes above and beyond to share her passion for the nature and the local environment.
Highly commended – Cameron Gates
Cameron is a really impressive young leader, working on his own to design programmes to benefit young people in Fitton Hill.
Highly commended – Dance Dynamics
Dance Dynamics play an important part in creating a safe and enjoyable hub for young people in Fitton Hill. The group also give opportunities for members to enter competitions across Greater Manchester.
Highly commended – Marilyn Fisher
Marilyn is dedicated to the Fitton Hill Bulldogs and her hard work allows the organisation to grow, allowing it to go from strength to strength.
Highly commended – Jamelia Raza
Jamelia has worked hard to develop the skills for herself and others around her. She is a true young leader and gives her all to support others, having an amazing impact on young people in Fitton Hill.
Overall winner – Apollo Active CIC
The work done by Apollo Active in Stockbridge Village supports young people on the neighbourhood to focus their energy, try new experiences and form friendships, having a positive impact on the local community.
Highly commended – Carol Gilligan
Carol is a real allrounder, providing support across a number of groups that she is involved in locally. She selflessly gives up her own time to support others and look after the local environment in Stockbridge Village.
Highly commended – Stockbridge Village Food Club
Stockbridge Village Food Club provide a valuable service to the community in the face of significant challenges, rather than letting it beat them, the club have gone from strength to strength.
Highly commended – Julie Jones
Julie is kind, caring and warm hearted. The panel felt that the work that Julie does locally to support older people is inspirational and has an enormous impact.
Highly commended – Stephanie Tomlinson
Steph is a powerhouse and she spends so much of her time supporting her local community and making things happen to improve the lives of her neighbours.
Sharon Keeble
This is an award that ForHousing staff members have nominated for. Sharon gives up a lot of her time and energy to support ForHousing to improve. With tenants at her heart, she provides great perspectives on issues and challenges and isn’t afraid to speak up, she’s been instrumental in driving improvements to services and is an important and influential member of the involvement team.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a colleague, it’s fantastic to see so many of our team being recognised by you. We’ll be announcing our overall colleague winner later this month, so stay tuned!
Well done to all of the winners and thank you for all of your hard work this past year! Let’s continue to shout out and praise those who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a huge and positive difference to others. You really do make our communities a great place to live and the impact that you make does not go unnoticed.
We look forward to welcoming our winners of the 2025 Be Proud Awards at the Involved Christmas party towards the end of the year!
