People are being encouraged to nominate unsung heroes for a range of awards that celebrate everything from being a good neighbour, promoting community spirit or being a local eco warrior to using their talents to inspire others.
The winners will be invited to an awards ceremony taking place at Wolverhampton Heritage Centre, Clifford Street, on Friday 20 March.
The event will also premiere a performance of a specially commissioned poem by Wolverhampton’s Poet Laureate, Emma Purshouse, and announce the winners of a children’s community poetry competition which over 300 local children are currently taking part in.
Award categories are as follows:
- Community Cohesion Forum Love Your Community Award
- Whitmore Reans Library Gifted & Talented Young Persons’ Award (16 and under)
- Wolves Foundation Community Superhero Award
- Wolverhampton Homes Local Tenant Champion Award
- Gatis and Wildside Eco Warrior Award
- Gatis and Wildside Junior Eco Warrior Award (16 and under)
- SS Peter and Paul Primary Year 6 Students’ Local Hero Award
- Newhampton Arts Centre Creative Talent Award
- TLC College Celebrating Volunteering Award
- Midland Heart Good Neighbour Award
- Whitmore Reans Connect Bringing People Together Award
- Gloucester Street Community Centre Bright Future Award
The event is also being supported by The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) and West Midlands Police, who will be recognising local unsung heroes at the event.
Nominations for unsung heroes can be made on line at Whitmore Reans’ Unsung Heroes, by completing a nomination form at Whitmore Reans Library, Bargate Drive, or by emailing saima.irfan@wolverhampton.gov.uk. The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Monday 24 February.
The event is part of the wider partnership work that has been taking place in Whitmore Reans over the last year, which has involved a number of physical improvements to the area including the closure and filling in of the subway at Craddock Street which is currently underway. A children’s community mural will also be installed at the Avion Centre later in the year.
Local Councillor Obaida Ahmed said: “There are many unsung heroes in Whitmore Reans and the surrounding area who contribute to their community, be it by volunteering, being welcoming to neighbours or keeping their street tidy. This is an opportunity for us to say thank you and show them how much they are appreciated.”
Fellow ward Councillor Lynne Moran said: “I would encourage everyone who lives, works or is actively involved with the Whitmore Reans area to take a few moments to nominate their unsung hero.”
Councillor Roger Lawrence, also a St Peter’s ward councillor, said: “The range of partners involved in hosting this event illustrates the strength of the community in Whitmore Reans. This is a great opportunity to celebrate their work alongside that of our many unsung heroes.”
