Last night the spotlight was turned on the people and groups that make Manchester special as we celebrated the inaugural Best of Manchester Awards.
Across every neighbourhood in the city we see people who go the extra mile, who always show up for one another, who never ask for recognition or anything in return.
These are the people who underpin our communities.
And although they never asked for a stage, we decided it was time they had one.
The Best of Manchester Awards sought nominations for a range of categories across every ward and neighbourhood of the city.
From the people who are the pride of their neighbourhoods, to groups making an impact on climate change, the groups who help keep our streets safe and people making a difference when it comes to our health and wellbeing. These awards were about paying tribute to the many ways people can and do make a difference.
With more than 900 nominations received the reception to these awards has been nothing short of incredible. But, it also underlines just how many people there are in Manchester worthy of recognition.
Ahead of the final awards ceremony a series of celebratory events took place at the Town Hall hosted by the Lord Mayor. These events saw all of our nominees invited, and provided a space for everyone’s achievements to be celebrated.
This set the stage for our finalist awards night, held on October 22, at the Midland Hotel, hosted by BBC Radio Manchester’s Joe McGrath.
Joe said: “This has been a truly special night. Each and every one of us in Manchester will know someone in our community who makes a difference, so to be at this event, and come face to face with people who make such a difference is something that will stay with me for a long time.
“I’m proud to celebrate Manchester and I hope everyone who came here tonight can go home with their heads held high, knowing how much they are appreciated.”
The night’s winners were:
- Pride in our Neighbourhood – The Dean Trust Ardwick
- Community Action on Climate Change – The Lalley Centre
- Keeping our Neighbourhoods Safe – SafeSpots Wythenshawe
- Bringing Communities Together – Levenshulme Old Library
- Supporting Healthier, Happier Communities – St. George’s Youth and Community Centre
- Making a Difference – Thomas McDonagh
- Community Innovator – The Care Leavers Collective
- Championing Skills and Confidence for Work – Back on Track
- Businesses and Communities Working Together – The Co-operative Bank
- Best of Manchester Award – Joe Farrar
Councillor Garry Bridges, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “To have heard the stories of everyone nominated this evening was truly humbling. A lot is said about the Manchester spirit but the people that we have celebrated tonight embody it like no other.
“I’ve not envied the job that our judges had when it came to determining out winners. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many of our nominees over recent weeks and I know firsthand just what a difference they are making for Mancunians.
“We have heard stories about communities helping one another, about individuals giving their time and energy to make people’s lives better and asking for nothing in return. We’ve learned about the power that each and every one of us has to make Manchester a better place no matter where we come from or what our background is.
“In recent years we have felt more divided than ever, easier to find disagreement rather than common ground. But, I want this night to be a beacon, showing that there is more positivity in this world than negativity, that the good can outweigh the bad if simply take the time to look.
“To everyone here tonight I thank you for making Manchester a brighter, safer and kinder city. You truly are the best of us.”