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

This year more than 200 individuals and groups were nominated in 12 different categories. Three finalists in each category were invited to a prestigious Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Manchester Central Convention Centre on Friday 8 November 2019, where the winners received trophies.

Winners of the 2019 Be Proud Awards

Pride of Manchester (overall winner) - Emmie’s Kitchen
The team of volunteers provide great meals for parents and carers during long hospital stays.

Special Recognition - Dena Murphy
Her tireless efforts have had a positive impact on her whole community. A real hero who sums up what Manchester is about.

Blossoming Communities - Revive
The Beswick-based group provides free practical and emotional support for refugees and people seeking asylum

Bringing Communities Together - Hulme Community Grocers
They provide low-cost, good-quality food, while bringing residents together in their lovely social space.

Business in the Community - Jo and Mark Hamburger from The Yard
They have turned an empty building in Cheetham Hill into a vibrant creative hub. 

Clean Neighbourhood - Let’s Keep Growing
A community garden project based in Longsight.

Community Force - Mary Armstrong
Mary takes great pride in her Collyhurst neighbourhood, helping it to be a place everyone can enjoy.

Community Project of the Year - Emmie’s Kitchen
The team of volunteers provide great meals for parents and carers during long hospital stays.

Creativity in the Community - Olympias Music
A charity that believes everyone should be given the opportunity to participate in music,  regardless of background.

Neighbour of the Year - Sammy Minshull
Sammy, from Anson Community Grocers in Rusholme, leads a team of volunteers helping local residents and is always on hand with support. 

Recycling Project of the Year - The Tree of Life Centre Wythenshawe
As well as its famous furniture reuse shop, the group also runs health and wellbeing sessions and friendship groups.

Volunteer of the Year (group) - Arron Parker-Bowler and Reko Smith
They help countless people as members of the Manchester Young Carers Forum. 

Volunteer of the Year(individual) - Sherita Mandongwe
Sherita founded Dimobi Children Disability Trust - a special needs and learning disability provider based in Newton Heath. 

Young Achiever of the Year - Zimal Arshad
Working with Greenheys Residents’ Association in Moss Side, she is always litter-picking, cleaning and working on communal gardens.