Made in Bury – those who make a difference

Bury’s “unsung heroes” have been rewarded with Made in Bury awards for their outstanding contribution to the community.

The winners were presented with their certificates at the annual meeting of Bury Council on 17 May by the outgoing Mayor of Bury, Councillor Mike Connolly.

The winners:

Outstanding Contribution to a Township Award: Joanne Wilcock

• Joanne has been chair of the Affetside Society for 15 years, playing a key role in helping the village to thrive and host community events. She was behind the Millennium Green project, and worked with the council and police on traffic calming measures. She represents Affetside on BRIF - Bury Rural Inequalities Forum – bringing broadband services to Affetside and helping to create the Village Link. She also helps run the Affetside website and keeps everyone in the area informed of news and developments.

Young Person or Young Persons’ Group: Bury STARS

• Bury STARS was formed two years ago to support and champion children and young people in Bury who have special educational needs and disabilities. They run a Wednesday youth group, winning a grant from Tony Lloyd to develop a website, telephone and online support service for the young people and their supporting professionals. They work with a wide range of groups on issues from transport to short breaks, and deliver training packages in schools regarding celebrating difference. The Bury STARS are also running the S.E.N.D. Service consultations for primary and secondary aged pupils.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Jacquie Morrison

• Jacquie is a cook at the Creative Living Centre, which caters for people with mental/emotional distress. The centre moved to Prestwich last year and she was instrumental in the design, implementation and organisation of a new kitchen and cafe at the premises, which has a 5-star rating for food and hygiene. Jacquie’s skills and knowledge about good, healthy food is much appreciated by the centre’s members, who look forward to going there and also connect with her friendly and compassionate manner.

Best Community Project funded by the Township Forum: D-Caff Dementia Cafe, Greenmount

• D-Caff Dementia Cafe offers emotional and practical support to those who live with dementia, and their carers and relatives. It provides a relaxed and safe environment where people can get advice, make friends and take part in activities. The dedication of the cafe’s volunteers has been highly praised, and the funding received through the Township Forum has helped build the cafe which continues to grow from strength to strength and is now a flagship for more dementia cafes to come across the borough.

Cllr Connolly said: “This council values the work that voluntary, community and faith sector groups and volunteers do across our borough which help make Bury a good place to live, work and visit.

“These awards help us to recognise that, across our communities, individuals and groups continue to give their unpaid time and commitment to improve their local areas and the lives of others. During my time as mayor, I have been honoured to meet many of them and witness first-hand the type of work they do and the positive impact they have on the lives of others.

“We have been truly overwhelmed by the examples of community activity, giving, sharing and supporting that is happening on a daily basis across our borough.”

For more information go to www.theburydirectory.co.uk/mibawards

ENDS

Press release issued: 19 May 2017.

Picture attached: The Made in Bury awards winners.