WHO will be crowned Glasgow’s Community Champions for 2023?
The public vote to determine the winners of the regional heats opens today – so it is time to get behind your favourite.
The Glasgow Times awards, in association with Glasgow City Council, Wheatley Glasgow, Merck and Trades House of Glasgow, celebrate everything that is great about the city and its people.
Once again, our readers will determine who triumphs in the North East, North West and South heats.
Yesterday, we announced the finalists for the North East and South.
Today we will reveal those fighting it out in the North West, plus the Citywide category of Sport.
The public vote is now open. Simply click here or search for www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/community-champion-awards/
It is free to cast your vote and voting closes on October 31. The winners will go forward to a second judging session, and overall winners will be announced at the Grand Final at the City Chambers on December 5.
The finalists in the North West are as follows:
Team Award – Men Matter Scotland, a mental health charity which continues to expand its services, now offering support in high schools and prisons; North United Communities Ruchill Youth Team, who provide activities and vital support for young people in the area; and Drumming Up Change, an innovative scheme which brings together Drumchapel High students and children with learning disabilities from Fortune Works on a range of projects.
Individual Award – Jill Mackay, who goes the extra mile for the people of Milton, Ruchill and Wyndford in her role at the helm of North United Communities; Joyce Bell, G15 Youth Project’s “wee gaffer” who makes sure Drumchapel’s young people’s voiced are heard; and inspirational social entrepreneur Sylvia Douglas, who set up projects in Possilpark to help women into training and work.
Public Service Award – Street Pastors Glasgow, who help citizens in need overnight on city streets; Kingsway Community Connections, who have provided outstanding support to people from all walks of life during the cost of living crisis; Friends of Maryhill Graveyard, a dedicated group hoping to save a historic part of Glasgow; and John Barclay, Glasgow Street Aid, who provides first aid on city streets, supporting the NHS.
Uniformed Services Award – ADRS nursing team, who support people with drug and alcohol issues; Scottish Ambulance Service Air Ambulance Team, which has been delivering life-saving services for 90 years; and PC Ben Oliver, who, despite being 18 and three weeks out of training, kept his composure to bravely save a woman’s life.
Senior Award – Glasgow Orchestral Society president Ann Gibson; veterans’ champion Terry McCourt; and Wilma, Betty, Susan, Maggie and Jean, the rapping grannies of Possilpark.
Young Award – Leah McCafferty, a young carer who also helps victims of bullying; Hannah McGhee, activist and mentor at G15 Youth Project; Hamiltonhill Claypits volunteer Dexter Johnson-Gray; and Jack and Kallum, who volunteer with North United Communities.
Health and Wellbeing Award – Baby Loss Retreat, who help parents recover from the loss of a child; and Vongayi Mufara, trustee with Amma Birth Companions.
School Award – Springburn Academy; Highpark Primary; Scotstoun Primary.
The Sport Award this year is a Citywide category. The finalists are:
St Fillan’s Primary football coaches – Double act Mark and Liam, the A Team football coaches at St Fillan’s Primary in Cathcart retired recently after 18 years supporting and inspiring young players.
Disability Sports Camp – Run by Active Schools co-ordinator James Hemmingsley, this initiative at Rosshall and Shawlands Academies helps young people with disabilities enjoy sport.
Joseph Woods – Inspirational primary school teacher who runs multiple sports clubs encouraging children to get active.
Team GB foursome, Braveheart Martial Arts – Madison Brown, Kenzo Cambridge, Maia Bisley and Sophie Heron won seven gold and one bronze at the Junior World Kickboxing Championships.
Braveheart Martial Arts Club – A club that goes above and beyond to teach kids kickboxing, taekwondo, teamwork, self-defence and more.
Glasgow Phoenix FC – New football club for women, helping players from different backgrounds play in a supportive and safe environment.
Pinkston Watersports – One-of-a-kind club which provides children with the opportunity to take part in affordable watersports and learn lifesaving skills.
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