Search for a Hero

Community Awards call to find Manchester’s heroes

The hunt is on for real-life heroes as Manchester City Council launches the Community Awards 2008.

The awards are intended to recognise those people and groups who work hard to make a difference to their communities, and organisers are now calling for residents to make the city proud by sending in as many nominations as possible.

The awards are free to enter, and those heroes who are chosen will receive cash prizes as well as being invited to a ceremony at Manchester Town Hall – but hurry, as nominations close on 17th October.

Anyone who lives or works in Manchester’s boundaries can be nominated for one of this year’s categories, such as the Good Neighbour award or the Citizen of the Year award.

Other categories include Creativity in the Community, Sporting Achievement, Young Citizen of the Year, and Taking a Stand, which recognises those who fight antisocial behaviour such as graffiti or the sale of alcohol to children.

Some categories, such as Contribution to the Environment and Contribution to the Community, are open to groups as well as individuals.

Annie Woodcock, who won last year’s Taking a Stand award, was determined to build a better community for the residents of her street in Newall Green. Thanks to evidence she gathered, a problem tenant who had blighted the area was taken to court and evicted, and the street returned to a safe and peaceful environment.

And last year’s Young Citizen of the Year award was won by Kirsty Howard from Northern Moor, who raised £5m for the Francis House Hospice in Didsbury, becoming a great role model for young people, despite suffering from a life-threatening illness.

Councillor Paul Andrews, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Last year, the Manchester City Council Community Awards received some fantastic nominations for some very deserving individuals and groups.

“We know Manchester is full of unsung heroes who work hard to make a real difference in their communities, and this is a real opportunity for their efforts to be recognised. This year, we’re hoping to see more nominations than ever from the city’s residents.”