WOW – mayor’s honour for inspiring women’s champs
TWO inspirational women have been presented with a certificate in recognition of ‘their outstanding efforts’ in the community.
Naomi Burke and Kimberley Ashworth, who run The Women of Whitworth Project (WOW), were awarded with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Mayor of Rossendale, Councillor Andrew Walmsley, at a council meeting.
The Women of Whitworth Project, which celebrated five years in January, helps people find the support they need.
Naomi and Kimberley have strong relationships with organisations throughout Rochdale, Whitworth and across the country.
They signpost the public to the organisations best suited to help them such as career hubs and food banks.
Councillor Walmsley said: “I am delighted to be presenting this Certificate of Appreciation to Kimberley and Naomi on behalf of Rossendale Borough Council, it’s important that we recognise their outstanding efforts with the Women of
Whitworth project over the past five years.
“Their work is not just about charity; it’s about empowering our community, fostering resilience, and creating a legacy of compassion.
“Whitworth, and Rossendale
is undoubtedly a better place because of Kimberley and Naomi and, as Mayor, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of our residents.”
Kimberley founded The
Women of Whitworth Project in 2018 to commemorate 100 years of women’s voting rights. Naomi from Whitworth and Kimberley from Rochdale had been working together in a primary school for a number of years and used their maternity leave to build the project up.
Kimberley, who is originally from Whitworth, said: “It feels fantastic to be recognised. We are both so happy and it’s really nice to get that recognition out of the blue.
“It feels so nice to be appreciated. Our children are really proud of us and without our family support we would not be able to give back as much as we do. The support from the community has also been absolutely fantastic.”
Naomi and Kimberley also organise award ceremonies to acknowledge women’s achievements and contributions to a variety of areas such as sport, children and young people, community projects and business and enterprise, while raising funds for community projects.
Naomi and Kimberleyhave important cross boundary conversations with both Rochdale and Whitworth organisations.
When people lost their jobs during the pandemic, they used their network to help residents with job interview practice.
They have also helped families get essential books their children needed for school and through her connections, Kimberley secured 45 laptops for primary school children in Whitworth which were split amongst four schools.
Kimberley held a Tea, Cake and Tampons event in conjunction with The Red Box Project Rossendale in 2018.
The event raised £120 and more than 270 sanitary products were donated. Soon after the event, Rochdale AFC ensured that all sanitary provision were provided free of charge to all females attending their football matches.
Naomi and Kimberley made 800 sandwich bags which were given to school children between Monday and Friday during the school half term in October 2020.
The pair forged a strong relationship with The Lighthouse since it opened to ensure people get the help they need.
During the pandemic the pair received a letter from the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Catherine Penny, who recognised their remarkable work.
Wow’s ‘The Menopause catch up’ will take place on Wednesday, November 29 from 7pm at The Red Lion Inn, Whitworth. It will occur on the last Wednesday of every month.
At the moment Naomi and Kimberley are collecting selection boxes, mince pies and biscuits to take to The Lighthouse. People are welcome to donate.