The eagerly anticipated Salix Stars Awards are up and running, and the social housing association is looking for your votes to pick Salford’s winners in the annual competition.
The awards recognise people who have volunteered their time to make a positive difference to other people’s lives and the environment that they live in, celebrating some of the amazing work that is being done in neighbourhoods and communities across Salford.
Vote by clicking on the banner at the top of the SalfordOnline.com website or head straight here.
This week the finalists in each of the five categories have been named.
Among the shortlisted candidates are 31-year-old mum of two Laura Kendall, who readers will remember set up the Ordsall Community Noticeboard after moving to the area in 2013.
Laura told SalfordOnline.com at the time: “I was really poorly, suffering with long-standing depression and anxiety. I started volunteering with Ordsall Community Arts a year ago and it changed my life.
“There is so much going on in Ordsall but a huge majority of people just don’t know about it.
“With the right support I’ve learned how to cope in social situations, I have become so much stronger in myself and I am now very active in my community.”
She’s nominated in the Aim High Award, along with community volunteer John Rainey, and Letitia Rose, who campaign against the stigma of people on benefits
The Young Rising Star award will go to a Salford teenager who is making a difference in their community. The nominees are Liam Cole, who volunteers with older people, anti-bullying campaigner Sophie Finnegan, and 18-year-old Rosie Heaton, who has battled back from meningitis to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
In the Best Green Star, there’s a familiar face to SalfordOnline.com readers. Nature photographer and founder of Clean-up Salford Luke Blazejewski.
He’s up against two wonderful organisations in the Seedley and Langworthy in Bloom group and St Sebastian’s Primary School Gardening Club.
The Shelagh Delaney Creativity Star will go to one of three nominees: the Salford Veterans Breakfast Club, the Everyday Life in Salford photography project or Natalie Kheirkhah – runs Rainbow Pathways art group for people with mental illness
Our very own Simon Williams, author and charity fundraiser – who launched the #5TinChallenge for homeless organisation Coffee4Craig – is up for the Spirit of Salford Star award.
Joining him on the roster are karate instructor Jack Fletcher and charity fundraiser Janieve Petruzis
All of these nominees need your vote now.
Go to Salix Stars Vote to register your pick for the best examples of community workers in Salford.
