Inspirational Role Models Celebrated

Published by New Charter for New Charter Housing Trust Group in Communities and also in Housing

THE hard work of young community champions was celebrated at an awards ceremony.

More than 40 young people who have been involved in New Charter Homes’ community initiatives over the past year were invited to the company’s headquarters in Ashton-under-Lyne, where they were presented with certificates and gift tokens.

All were nominated as community champions by acting as exceptional role models who show unwavering dedication to improving their communities by taking part in environmental cleanup days, fundraising initiatives and other projects.

Big winners included those who transformed their neighbourhoods for the Tameside in Bloom competition and members of the DreamScheme project, whose garden won a bronze medal at the Royal Horticultural Society’s annual Tatton show last year.

The young community champions were kept entertained at the ceremony when award winner Brad Bromley took to the stage to wow the crowd with his amazing human beat-box skills.

Fellow winners Mossley Town Twinning Drumming Project went on to fill Cavendish 249 with sound as they performed Homage to the Drum – a thunderous rhythmic piece first performed after just three drumming lessons for dignitaries from Tameside’s twin towns in France and Germany.

New Charter’s Youth Work Co-ordinator Chris Odell, said:  “New Charter Housing loves nothing more than making a big noise about tenants’ achievements - and that’s just what happened when the drumming project struck up. 

“To say it was loud would be an understatement!  But what better way to celebrate the positive work of these young people for their continual positive work and for being excellent role models in the community.”

Executive Director of Neighbourhoods Tony Powell, added:  “The sheer amount of nominations for the awards just goes to show how much fantastic work is being done in Tameside by young people.  All of the community champions have made an outstanding contribution to improving their local communities - I’m proud of each and every one of them.”