2018 winners
On Thursday, 19 April 2018 at Rochdale Town Hall, the Mayor of Rochdale at the time, Councillor Ian Duckworth, presented all the winners with their awards.
We received more than 40 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.
Young Person of the Year Award
Winner: Molly Howarth
Molly has shown courage, positivity and determination since being diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour during her GCSEs. Despite this she achieved fantastic results, is performing exceptionally well in her band with Rochdale Music Service and is fundraising for Manchester Children's Hospital.
The Courage Award
Winners: Heena Batool and Hadar Shah
Heena and Hadar have made an incredible fundraising effort for Manchester Children's Hospital following a cousin's bone marrow transplant.
Community Cohesion Award
Winner: Smallbridge Youth Group
The group fundraised and worked with young people in the community for Holocaust Memorial Day.
Shining Lights Award
Winners: Ben, Bethany, Jack and Chloe Killgallon
The siblings worked with the youth service and have supported older people in the community.
Determination Award
Winner: Sophie Kilroy
Sophie has suffered from childhood cancer but triumphed in dancing and her GCSEs despite her many operations.
Influencing Change Award
Winner: MIND Young Advisers
The group have been working with the LGBT community and also produced an anti-bullying campaign
Young Leader Award
Winner: Olivia Maxim
Olivia achieved this award for her work with Starlight Circus and for supporting other young people.
Young Volunteer Award
Winner: Toby Jackson
Toby worked on many horticulture projects while also volunteering at Cherwell Farm.
Resilience Award
Winner: Suleman Mahmood
Suleman showed resilience by helping his dad by learning sign language.
Young Carer Award
Winner: Sehar Ahmed
Sehar has worked hard and shown dedication to her family and younger brother.
Raising Morale Award
Winner: Tom Ferarrie
Tom works hard entertaining and raising spirits as a DJ at the youth club he attends.
Environmental Contribution Award
Winner: Middleton in Bloom volunteers
The volunteers suggested Middleton enter national Britain In Bloom competition and helped the town win a silver medal.
Peer Mentor Award
Winner: Paige Bamford
Paige received this award for all the activities she leads at her local youth club and her commitment to supporting others.
Community Contribution Award
Winner: Mitchell Thompson
Mitchell has helped the community by removing graffiti, litter picking and planting floral displays.
Yasin Khan Inspiration Award
Winner: Helaina Stone
A new award in 2018 was awarded to Helaina who has overcome her physical disabilities to achieve a Gold Duke of Edinburgh award by helping the elderly in a local care home and succeeding in dance exams.
The challenges faced by Helaina in successfully completing the expedition element is truly inspiring and fully justifies this special award.