2019 winners
On Tuesday, 25 June 2019 at Rochdale Town Hall, the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Billy Sheerin, presented all the winners with their awards. We received 36 nominations for the awards.
All the nominees were also presented with a certificate from the Mayor. You can view the winners of each award below.
The Yasin Khan Inspiration Award
Winner: Jade Kilduff
The Yasin Khan Inspiration Award went to Jade. Jade's family foster for us and she is an incredible support to her parents and to her brother. Jade has set up 'Sign Along With Us', a daily sign-of-the-day video page that has become an internet sensation.
She also goes into charities, schools and youth groups teaching songs as a fun way to help people learn signs. She volunteers with children with disabilities and does sponsored events for charities that help her brother. Jade has a real determination to improve the lives of those with disabilities.
The Courage and Bravery Award
Winner: Sami Faqir
The courage and bravery award went to Sami Faqir who saved his Grandma from a house fire in 2018.
Influencing Change Award
Winner: 'We Care' Film Group
The Influencing Change Award went to the 'We Care' Film Group. The group worked at Matthew Moss Youth Club with M6 Theatre Company to create an inspirational film.
The aim of the film is to prevent young children who are in care from being bullied at school and to raise awareness of what being in care means.
Positive Participation Award
Winner: Rochdale Young Carers Group
The Rochdale Young Carers Group won the Positive Participation Award for their dedication and hard work.
They've worked on a number of projects, including raising awareness of LGBT+, having healthy relationships and exploring being a more supportive friend.
Young Volunteer Award
Winner: Rochdale Soup Kitchen Volunteers
The Young Volunteer Award went to William, Chloe and Hashim for their volunteering work at Rochdale Soup Kitchen.
Week in and week out, whatever the weather, they turn up to prepare and make cups of tea and coffee at the kitchen. They've developed a good understanding and relationship of trust with the users.
Resilience Award
Winner: Ellie Thelwell
Ellie Thelwell, 12, won the Resilience Award as she is a carer for her mum who is registered blind due to an accident when she was young. Without Ellie, the family would be more isolated. She is able to guide her mum around unfamiliar places so the family can visit the park or have local days out in the school holidays.
Ellie attends a young carers group for respite for herself where she is able to take part in activities with others. She is a friendly young person who has encouraged other young carers to be at ease.
Raising Morale Award
Winner: Olivia Allan
Olivia Allan won the Raising Morale Award for her inspiring attitude while being treated for a serious condition over several months. She has inspired her relatives to raise almost £1,000 for Cancer Research.
Kenny Farrah Community Award
Winner: Sohail Hussain
Sohail Hussain has been taking part in youth club projects for the last 5 years. He is always looking out for others and has helped remember the late Yasin Khan and Kenny Farrar by helping organise a charity fundraiser for them. He also helped raise over £500 for Children in Need.
More recently Sohail lost his friend, Louis White, who also attended the fundraising sessions. Sohail planned and organised some memorial events for Louis. He wanted to help people remember Louis for all the favourite things he enjoyed.
Sohail is described as a brilliant role model and a true leader for young people. The Kenny Farrah Community Award is a new award for 2019. We created the award in memory of Kenny Farrar who worked tirelessly for his local community.
