Civic stalwarts given mayoral reception

Local organisations who won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service were given a mayoral reception at Bury Town Hall.

Cllr Shaheena Haroon, along with cabinet member Cllr Richard Gold, welcomed representatives of Corrie Gardeners, Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force (Hawkshaw), The Attic Project and Bury2gether. Rammy Men have also won the award.

Created in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, the Queen’s Awards have been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups for two decades now.

Equivalent to an MBE, QAVS are the highest awards given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

These five groups were recognised during this year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, representing a quarter of all the winners from across Greater Manchester.

Cllr Haroon said: “It was a pleasure to welcome these groups to the mayor’s parlour and thank them in person for all the wonderful work they do: from supporting people’s health to foodbanks and leisure activities. They really do Bury proud.”

And Cllr Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities, added: “Every day of the week, organisations like these are supporting people at neighbourhood level. A recent survey estimates that there are more than 26,000 people in our borough who volunteer a total of 130,000 hours per week, and they deserve all our thanks.”

The groups will be formally presented with their awards by the Lord-Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester at a service at Gorton Monastery later in the year.

More about the five winning groups

The Attic Project.

Based at Russell Street in Bury, they have supported residents with employment opportunities, operate a food bank, hosted Coffee, Cake & Collaborate sessions, and were a host venue for neighbourhood race listening activities last year. Attic have worked with Supportive Stem on support with welfare issues, confidence building, volunteering opportunities and digital literacy.

Bury2gether.

A forum/support group for parents/carers of young people aged 0-25 with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). For the last six years they have ensured that lived experience informs public service commissioning, delivered support services, workshops, consultation events and peer support.

Corrie Gardeners.

A group of tenants and residents from Coronation Gardens/Road in Radcliffe. They play a major role in the community, from supporting the Trinity Road foodbank to facilitating the delivery of outreach activity at the ROC centre for young people on a Friday night, working with Greater Manchester Police on Women & Girls Safety measures, and linking local people into support. They have also worked with Bury Adult Learning to deliver digital skills sessions and ran an Arts and Culture week in Radcliffe last December.

Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force (Hawkshaw).

A major part of the training for any cadet is citizenship training, and this forms part of the Army Cadets syllabus. Cadet opportunities include adventurous training, fieldcraft, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, expeditions and first aid. From attendance at Armed Forces events and parades, to increasing confidence and ability in young people, the ACF has provided opportunities for people to develop in every way.

Rammy Men.

Working predominantly in the north of the borough, Rammy Men focus on activity to reduce social isolation and improve mental wellbeing, with more than 700 men and women now involved in activities that they organise. Sessions range from art and textiles to singing, mindfulness and mediation, quizzes, a model club and games nights.

ENDS

Press release issued: 14 July 2022.

Picture: The Mayor and Cllr Gold welcome members of the local groups who have won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.