Unsung heroes who have devoted time and effort to make their community a better place were honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony on Thursday 18th November.
The Soho community equivalent of the Oscars recognised the active citizenship and volunteering achievements of shortlisted individuals and groups, highlighting the strengths of Soho and the positive aspects of the neighbourhood, at a special celebration dinner held at West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
The event was sponsored by Be Birmingham, Birmingham City Council, Morrisons supermarket, Soho Ward councillors and Urban Living. It was organised by the Soho Finger and Gib Heath and Winson Green, Brookfields and West Summerfield neighbourhood management teams.
Before the awards were presented, guests were entertained by local poet Moqapi Selassie, singer Eddie Masih and a dance performance by Ouidah Arts. The master of ceremonies was Radio WM broadcaster Bishop Dr Joe Aldred.
The charity raffle held on the night raised nearly £300 for Children in Need.
All the winners were presented with Oscar-style trophies and certificates.
Below are photographs of some of recepients :
Dolores Pinkney and Hector Pinkney (Active Citizen Award)
Sister and brother Dolores (60) and Hector Pinkney (58) have been community activists for over 20 years. Together they run the DOJO community project in Handsworth, helping the community by running activities such as jogging sessions on Tuesdays and Sundays, as well as securing the lease to build a community playcentre on the derelict site of the Hockley flyover.
Active Citizen Award
Dolores and Hector led the fundraising which made over £2,500 to pay for the funeral of local homeless person, Lester Kidd, who died in a fire in November 2009.
Adessa Reid (Golden Citizen Award)
Adessa Reid has been a volunteer for the Soho Over Fifties Club (formerly known as the Soho Elders Group) for 15 years.
Mrs Adesssa Reid receiving Golden Citizen Award
Mrs Reid encourages elderly members of the community to join the group, to take part in keep fit sessions and to have their say on issues that concern them. Not only does she provide administrative support for the running of the group, but she also uses her culinary skills in the kitchen to ensure that members get a nutritious and tasty meal at the club.
Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum (Most Developed Neighbourhood Forum)
Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum
Soho Finger Neighbourhood Forum was formed in 2006 and now plays a significant role in the neighbourhood, being the first port of call for local residents to raise issues and concerns about their area. The forum has secured funding for innovative projects that have benefited the neighbourhood, including home improvements and gating schemes.
Forum members have organised litter picks with local schoolchildren, entered the “In Bloom” competition and campaigned for local jobs for local people with Morrison’s supermarket.
Knightstone Neighbourhood Watch (Most Developed Resident-Led Group)
Knightstone Neighbourhood Watch was formed in June 2009 and has quickly developed into an active and caring group in the Brookfields area. Working in partnership with the police and the city council, the group has helped to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour. It has implemented a number of successful projects, including an annual street party.
Knightstone Avenue receiving award
The group also encourages local children to take ownership of their community and has supported the development of the Soho Young People’s Forum.
Sport 4 Life UK, Soho Extended Links and Winson Green, Brookfields and West Summerfield Neighbourhood Management Board – joint winners (Partnership of the Year)
Sport For Life
With a vision to change lives through the power of sport and the support of Birmingham City Council, local charity Sport 4 Life UK brought together representatives from statutory and voluntary groups to deliver the Soho Games 2010.
This huge inter school sports competition enabled children from the Soho Ward to experience top quality competitive activities including football, athletics, uni-hockey and handball.
180 children from local schools including Benson, Wattville, James Watt, Matthew Boulton, Foundry and St James took part. Local hero kick boxing champion “Kash the Flash” presented the trophies and medals.
Soho Extended Links
Soho Extended Links works to deliver extended support for children, young people and families in their local community. These services can be before school, at lunchtime and after school and include childcare, study support, parenting support (including family learning) and the provision of swift and easy access to specialist services.
Soho Links receiving Award
Soho Links co-ordinator Daljit Hayre has overseen the delivery a range of diversionary activities that have helped to reduce antisocial behaviour and also enhance the personal and social development of young people.
