In the last few weeks, we’ve seen announcements of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service and the Birthday Honours. Of course I always check these to see if any local people or groups have won recognition for their work and it’s been great to see Manchester well represented. Here’s a quick list
Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2014
Abraham Moss Warriors
https://localgiving.com/charity/abrahammosswarriorsfootballclub
Delivering a range of sport for development activities using football as the vehicle. All different - all equal - all welcome
The Donkey Assisted Therapy Centre, Manchester
http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/therapy/manchester
Providing emotional, mental and physical therapy through donkeys, thereby enhancing the lives of children and adults with additional needs
The Mustard Tree
http://www.mustardtree.org.uk/
Creating choice and opportunity for people who are homeless or marginalised.
Wood Street Mission
http://www.woodstreetmission.org.uk/
Supporting thousands of local children living in poverty. The devoted team of volunteers provide essential support and comfort to families in need.
Wythenshawe FM Community Radio Volunteers
http://www.wfmradio.org/
Empowering Wythenshawe residents through their own community radio voice by the people, for the people. Working with partners to provide opportunities for new volunteers and learners.
Friends of Debdale Park
Creating a place where there is something for everyone in the community through health and social projects, training and pre-employment schemes.
Queens Birthday Honours 2014: British Empire Medal
Gary Buxton
Chief executive Young Advisors. For services to Young People in England. http://www.youngadvisors.org.uk/
Hari Dutt Seth
For services to the Indian community through the Indian Senior Citizens' Centre, Manchester. You can watch a video Macc made about the Centre’s work when they won last year’s Spirit of Manchester Award for Best Service User Involving Organisation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciBZZFkkQMg
Thomas Walsh
For services to Older People and to the community in Manchester. Tommy is a familiar figure around Manchester who I’m proud to say I’ve known for many years. As well as being involved in the City Council’s Age Friendly Manchester work (formerly known as Valuing Older People) he’s also a seemingly tireless campaigner. You can read about him in the Manchester Evening News report http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/queens-birthday-honours-tommy-walsh-7267098
Congratulations to everyone whose work has been recognised!
If you know someone who you think should receive an official honour you can use the form on the Government website to submit a nomination https://www.gov.uk/honours/nominate-someone-in-the-uk
Of course, I should mention that there’s also our own Spirit of Manchester Awards to come later this year. The judges met on 5th June to compile the shortlist from over 80 nominations. You can see the shortlist here: http://www.manchestercommunitycentral.org/spirit-manchester-awards