06 Apr 2009

HONOUR YOUR COMMUNITY HERO!

Residents in six of Liverpool's Housing Market Renewal Areas are putting on their thinking caps in order to nominate the best candidates for the city's first Community Awards.

The 'Making a Difference' accolades will be held at a ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in Liverpool city centre on the 25^th June 2009 and are open to individuals, groups and projects across the Liverpool Housing Market Renewal areas.

The aim is to recognise and reward those who are making a positive contribution to their community.

Nominations are now being accepted for the awards with examples ranging from providing free services for elderly or disabled people to encouraging healthier lifestyles or helping young people to fulfil their potential.

There will be one winner for each of the following Renewal Areas:

• Anfield/Breckfield - sponsored by Arena Housing
• Granby - sponsored by Lovells
• Kensington
• Lodge Lane - sponsored by Liverpool Housing Trust
• Picton
• Princes Park - sponsored by Plus Dane Group

There will also be a very special LiVe Liverpool Champion Award for the overall winner sponsored by The Riverside Group

Cath Green, the Executive Director for Community Services for Liverpool City Council said:

"We are very excited to see the entries for this the first ever Community Awards for Housing Market Renewal in Liverpool. The heart of the community is its people and many residents tirelessly volunteer and make it their business to do the best for their community. We'd like to honour these people for the hard work and effort they put in all year round as we couldn't do our work without them! "

Councillor Marilyn Fielding the Executive Member for Safer Stronger Communities said:

"Without people working on the ground in our communities it would be very difficult to achieve what we have done so far in the Housing Market Renewal programme. It is extremely important to let the community know how much they are valued for the work that they do. We hope as many people as possible nominate for the awards and we are looking forward to seeing what they say."

Nominations can be made online: www.liverpool.gov.uk/makingadifference

A pack can be requested by phone 0151 233 3001 or picked up from Regeneration Centres. The closing date for nominations is 1^st May 2009 at 5pm and the awards will take place on 25^th June 2009.