Queen hails charities
DOZENS of volunteer and charity groups in Greater Manchester have been commended by the Queen for their tireless work to better their communities.
On Saturday, each of the 27 organisations were named winners of the 2018 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the equivalent of an MBE for the voluntary sector.
The honour was created by Her Majesty in 2002 to mark the Golden Jubilee and to recognise the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups of volunteers.
This year’s winners include GMP’s Special Constabulary – members of the public who volunteer their time to serve alongside police officers, as well as the Grafton Centre in Hyde, which offers help and support to adults on issues such as health and well-being, isolation and loneliness, exercise and nutrition.
Annabelles Challenge – a Burybased charity which provides care and support to patients and families who are affected by Vascular EhlersDanlos Syndrome.
96.5 Bolton FM – Bolton’s community radio station which is presented daily by more than 100 volunteers.
The British Muslim Heritage Centre in Whalley Range which works to build trust and find common grounds between communities through shared heritage and culture.
Tameside-based Cash Box Credit Union which supports financial including in the community by encouraging savings and affordable loans.
Cera Cycloan Education and Restorative Approaches Ltd – based in Stockport, a team of volunteers work to support community cohesion, crime reduction and employability for young people.
Critchley Community Hub – a vibrant, welcoming social and learning centre for older people in Salford.
The East Manchester Community Boat Project, which is based at Portland Basin in Ashton-under-Lyne, offers free days out on the water to those who are disadvantaged or disabled.
Fur Clemt is part of Wigan’s Real Junk Food Project. Set up in 2015, volunteers help to reduce the amount of edible food reaching landfill by making it available to communities.
Fusion – a vibrant hub run by the community for the community, offering activities for all age groups.
Gorton Community Centre and Gorton Growing Together which helps those living in the community by providing activities and facilities.
The Grafton Centre in Hyde which offers help and support to adults on issues such as health and well-being, isolation and loneliness, exercise and nutrition.
Greater Manchester Police Special Constabulary – volunteer police officers working alongside paid colleagues to help keep the communities of Greater Manchester safe.
Greater Manchester Police Volunteer Police Cadets who inspire young people across the region through social action projects.
Higher Folds Community Centre, a Leigh-based charity that alongside providing early years learning, hosts activities and sports for all ages to help reduce isolation of vulnerable people in the area.
The Leigh Film Society CIC – a socially-inclusive cinema which brings people together and broadens access to culture.
Launched in Salford in 2004, the Lower Kersal Young People and Community Group aims to teach new skills, develop confidence and build community spirit.
Mahdlo Youth Zone in Oldham works with children and teenagers aged eight to 19 (and up to 25 for those with a disability) offering activities and opportunities 365 days a year.
Manchester Action on Street Health works with female sex workers to keep them safe, healthy and able to make their own choices.
New Springs Community Project Group in Bury brings people of all ages and backgrounds together through play and social activities.
The Oldham Youth Council which represents young people in decision making processes.
Once Upon a Smile is based in Trafford Park. It’s volunteers help bereaved families by providing bespoke emotional, practical and financial support.
REBUILD (Bury) manages a furniture reuse scheme and projects for vulnerable people, supporting them to find work and rebuild self-esteem.
Redeeming Our Communities (ROC), based in Trafford, which works to bring communities together and reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.
Clayton Hall is a 15th-century manor house in Clayton, Manchester. The Friends of Clayton Park and Hall work tirelessly to maintain the park and keep local history alive.
The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity was set up by Josh’s mum Dawn just before he died. He had been diagnosed with a brain stem tumour when he was three-yearsold. The charity now keep’s Josh’s legacy alive by helping other children with brain tumours and post surgery disabilities.
The Men’s Room – based in Manchester city centre – works with men in crisis, such as the homeless, sex workers and those involved in crime, to overcome challenges and obstacles and achieve their full potential.
The volunteers at Wrightington Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust which provide support for patients, their families and the public.