Community Champions Honored at Progress Housing Group Awards in Leyland
In a heartwarming celebration of local altruism, a young litter picker, a charitable mother-and-daughter pair, and a pensioner who assists his neighbors were among the distinguished winners at a social housing provider's community awards ceremony. The Progress Housing Group's Community Champions Awards, held at The Mill in St Catherine's Park, Lostock Hall, recognized the outstanding contributions of groups and volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to supporting others in the community.
Young Community Champions Recognized for Their Efforts
Nine-year-old Stephen Rayner secured the gold award in the Young Community Champions category for his dedicated litter picking efforts in Wade Hall. The Wade Hall Litter Pick Heroes initiative was established by his mother, April, who also received recognition during the evening. Stephen expressed his motivation, stating, "I have been learning about climate change, and I want to make the world a better place."
Additional young honorees included teenager Jimmy Massam, who earned silver for his support at a community cafe and shop at The Base in Leyland, and seven-year-old Alannah Morris, awarded bronze for her commitment to local causes and preparing Christmas hampers for families in need.
Tenant and Individual Awards Highlight Local Heroes
In the Progress Tenant Community Champions category, Alannah's mother, Gemma Sleight, received bronze for her charitable work and courageous advocacy for domestic abuse survivors. Gemma shared, "I feel really proud that someone has taken the time to nominate myself and Alannah. It is really important to give back to the community that helped me."
Bob Sharples from Stanner Lodge was crowned gold in this category for his kindness and support, helping neighbors with shopping, doctor appointments, and daily tasks. He remarked, "I feel so surprised. I do it because I want to. I have been volunteering for more than 50 years. If I can help anybody, I will."
Other notable winners included Sandra Sherliker, awarded silver for organizing community events and fundraising in Leyland, and Sophie Wilding, founder of the Community Network Outreach Service (CNOS), who received gold in the individual category for delivering support and activities to residents.
Group Efforts Celebrated Across Leyland
The Group Community Champions category saw CNOS take gold, while volunteers at Wade Hall Community Group, The Base, and St Mary's Community Centre in Leyland were awarded silver and joint bronze, respectively. Brian King of Leyland Round Table and Janet Malone, who fosters companionship through shared meals at St Mary's Community Centre, received silver and bronze in the individual category.
Julie Cansfield from Leyland was honored with bronze in the RWP Supported Living Community Champions category for her volunteer work supporting arts and crafts and assisting at her local church.
A Night of Gratitude and Community Spirit
Jacqui De-Rose, Group Chief Executive of Progress Housing Group, emphasized the importance of the event, saying, "Our Community Champions Awards are a celebration and a thank you to volunteers, as without them, our communities would not have the help and support that makes the world a better place to live."
She extended gratitude to South Ribble Borough Council Mayor Paul Wharton-Hardman for presenting the awards and thanked sponsors Broad Oak Group, 4 Seasons Lawn and Garden, Maintec, and Green Grant Installs for their support. The ceremony underscored the vital role volunteers play in enhancing community well-being in Leyland, Lancashire.
