Mayor congratulates Petrus service users for inspiring others

The service users of a local homelessness charity have won an award for inspiring others at an event held at Rochdale Town Hall.

On Wednesday evening (20 November), Petrus, a charity that provides residential and day support services to people who are homeless or in housing need, won the Rochdale In Bloom Award for Inspiring Others.

The award was presented by Christine McHugh, Secretary of Rochdale In Bloom.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Billy Sheerin, former MP Tony Lloyd, council leader Allen Brett, and other Rochdale councillors were also in attendance.

The event brought together a number of community groups who have worked on growing and gardening projects across the borough. The occasion at the Town Hall was to celebrate the achievements of all the In Bloom groups and the award was specifically for Petrus service users.

Collecting the award was Rachael Bennion, Engagement Worker for Petrus Incredible Edible Rochdale (PIER), and volunteer Ken Short.

 

 

Rachael said: “I could not be prouder of our service users and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to not only bring an unloved piece of land to life creating a vibrant community, but also to achieve so much at Tatton. They truly are an inspiration and show us every day what can be achieved with determination and teamwork.”

Ken said: “I really wasn’t expecting this. It’s brilliant! I can’t wait to tell the rest of the group.”

Earlier this month, Petrus had great success at the Britain In Bloom/RHS Gardening Awards in Southport; Rachael received the Britain In Bloom Northwest Health and Wellbeing Award, whilst the PIER group won a Level 4 Thriving Award for their community allotment.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/131072/rochdale-in-bloom-overall-category-winner-of-large-town-small-city-at-rhs-north-west-in-bloom-awards

The recognition also follows achievements earlier in the year, where Petrus scooped up a Silver Medal and People’s Choice Award at the Tatton Park Flower Show.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/129208/petrus-in-paradise-after-award-winning-flower-show

The charity had a garden at the 2019 Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) Flower Show Tatton Park with people from all over the world visiting. Petrus service users and volunteers designed and built a double back-to-back show garden, called “Petrus' Paradise” which garnered regional acclaim.

The success of PIER at Tatton Park would not have been possible without the support from Guinness Partnership, The Regenda Group, Rochdale Council, Rochdale Rotary Club and M&Y Maintenance.

For more information about how you can get involved visit:

• www.petrus.org.uk