The Be Proud Awards are the city’s celebration of the extraordinary volunteers and unsung local champions who make a real difference in our communities and help to make Manchester great.

Having not been held since 2019, due to COVID-19, the 2022 awards gave us an opportunity to help our unsung heroes get the recognition they deserve.

Recently, more than ever, so many people in our city have stepped up to make a difference to their communities and to keep residents safe and connected in the most difficult and unprecedented circumstances.

The 2022 winners and finalists were: 

Outstanding contribution / special recognition award: Javeno McLean

The Road To Zero Carbon: Moss Side 1.5 degrees
Finalists: Dixons Brookland Academy and Valery Touchet

Supporting Health and Wellbeing: Marise Lindsey
Finalists: Dale Johnson and Gorton Community Centre

Promoting Equality and Diversity: Javeno McLean
Finalists: Alan Kinsey and Hideout Youth Zone

Creating Cleaner and Greener Neighbourhoods: Hong Kong Volunteers in Manchester
Finalists: Clean & Green Castlefield and Ryder Brow Community Allotments Society

Creative in the Community: Ed Wellard Withington Walls
Finalists: Abraham Moss Warriors and Julie Mrozek

Business in the Community: Jamie Whittaker
Finalists: Barlow Moor Community Association and Community Minded

Community Response to COVID19 - Individual award: Ethan Beardow
Finalists: Javeno McLean and Gareth Worthington

Community Response to COVID19 - Group award: Wythenshawe Good Neighbours
Finalists: Work for Smile and Hulme Food Response Partnership

Community Response to COVID19 - Working effectively together: Manchester Covid19 Vaccination Sites and Volunteer Marshalls
Finalists: Hope Foodbank and Manchester Parent Carer Forum