Eight community champions have been announced as winners in an award scheme run by BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Local Radio across England.
The awards celebrate the Local heroes who have been making a difference in their communities and were nominated by our listeners. The eight winners received their accolade at a BBC Make a Difference Awards ceremony on Friday 23rd September at Victoria Warehouse in Old Trafford.
The eight ‘Make a Difference’ awards categories’ range from great neighbours, inspirational teachers, to thoughtful volunteers and outstanding key workers.
The winners for the BBC Radio Manchester Make a Difference Awards are:
DORRETTA MAYNARD- Volunteer
Awarded to an individual who makes a real difference to the community by giving up their time voluntarily to help out a charity or good cause.
RETHINK REBUILD SOCIETY – Community Group
Awarded to a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within the community,
PAUL ELLIS – Fundraiser
Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a charity or good cause.
MEETA BIDGOOD – Carer
Awarded to someone who improves the life of an individual or group of people by caring for them on a regular basis.
JANE COOPER- Great Neighbour
Awarded to an individual or group of people who help to make the neighbourhood or local community a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.
KAREN ROBERTS- Key Worker
Awarded to a key worker who’s gone above and beyond their call of duty to help others.
ABRAHAM MOSS WARRIORS – Environmental Award
Awarded to an individual or group of people who help to make where we live more environmentally friendly.
MADE BY MORTALS- The Together Award
Awarded to an individual or group of people who create real change by breaking down barriers and bringing together people from different walks of life for a common cause.
Make a Difference was created to recognise remarkable people across the country; marking their achievements and the contribution they make to their community.
Make a Difference was set up at the beginning of the pandemic at the start of the first lockdown in March 2020. It was a virtual notice board for those able to offer help and those needing support. To date, over 9 Million people have interacted with Make a Difference it across all 39 local BBC radio stations.
The winners were presented with their award at the Make a Difference awards ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Manchester on Friday 23rd September.
Kate Squire, Executive Editor at BBC Radio Manchester, said:
“We had more than 400 nominations for the BBC Radio Manchester Make A Difference awards which reflects the amazing work that individuals and groups are doing across Greater Manchester, day in and day out. It’s been a wonderful and humbling experience to hear the stories of all the finalists. Congratulations to all the winners and a heartfelt thanks to everyone nominated who goes above and beyond to make a difference to our communities in Greater Manchester.”
Chris Burns, Head of Audio and Digital for BBC England said: “We are delighted to announce the winners of these wonderful awards, which celebrate those individuals who have gone above and beyond, what most of us expect from people. In a world where the news can often be quite bleak, it is a way of showing off the best of people. We have really enjoyed hearing their stories and sharing them with our listeners. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominated someone.”
