Help us honour schools at the heart of our communities

International Year of Co-operatives logo

Residents across the borough are being urged to nominate schools and colleges for a prestigious community award.

To celebrate the International Year of Co-operatives, the council and its partners are staging the inaugural Pride of Rochdale Borough Awards at Middleton Arena on 27 September.

One of the categories will honour schools and colleges who enhance their local communities through extra curricular work – and the public now has its chance to have a say on who should be on the shortlist.

Cheryl Eastwood, Executive Director for Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: The reach and positive impact of schools and colleges in our neighbourhoods should never be underestimated.

“We know that many are going the extra mile to inspire, help, support and inform children, young people and their families in creative and unusual ways. These can include opening up the school for wider community use and access, running inspirational eco projects which bring children and families together and mentoring individuals and families.”

Councillor Donna Martin, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted that we are celebrating the success of schools and colleges and the dedication of the people who work in them. We’d like local people to help us give them the recognition they deserve by nominating a school or college that inspires their community.”

The closing date for nominations is 31 July 2012.

The Pride of Rochdale Borough Awards will recognise the contributions that people around the area make to their communities. Categories for the awards include Volunteer and Young Volunteer of the Year, Unsung Hero in Sport, Community Group of the Year, Disabled Sports Achiever, Good Neighbour, Sports Club of the Year and Organisation of the Year.

Candidates could include volunteers who are helping people to improve their literacy skills, residents who are working to bring different communities together and people or groups who have improved their health and wellbeing, or helped others to do so.

The closing date for nominations is 31 July.