Celebrating community champions: Tameside’s Ashton borough grants awarded at inspiring ceremony

Eight groups were successful at Tameside Community Safety’s latest community grants event.

Held at New Life Church, Cockbrook, it covered the borough’s north neighbourhood which comprises the whole of Ashton.

The winners were Broadoak and Smallshaw Community Association, Friends of Waterloo Park, Groundwork GM, Khush Amdid, New Life Church, St Gabriel’s Community Group, Tameside Health Group, and North Tameside District Scouts.

To qualify, projects had to be based around one or more of three themes: Activities and Intervention that reduce harmful behaviour, improving environmental resilience and challenges, and empowering communities to transform lives.

The evening was opened by the new Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Shibley Alam, who thanked volunteers for the valuable work they do for the borough.

Almost 60 people gathered at the St James Street church to listen to presentations. Later they voted to decide which groups should receive grants.

Cllr Stephen Homer, Tameside Council’s executive member for towns and communities, said: “It was wonderful to hear that more than 50 people attended. All of them were eager to play their part in rewarding the community groups that do such very valuable work in Ashton.

“I think the general feeling was summed up by one of the people there. They said it was their first time at a community grants event and they loved the way it went. Meeting so many people put them in contact with lots of other groups.

“All in all it was a very successful night which is just what I expected.”

The event was supported by councillors from the four Ashton Wards and Lifeline Community Ambulance which gave its first-aid services for free.