Merseyside's Community Full of Spirit

Merseyside's vibrant voluntary and community sector came together with members of the business and public sectors to celebrate the Spirit of Merseyside at the BT Convention Centre last night.

Community Foundation for Merseyside's annual awards ceremony, The Spirit of Merseyside Awards, was attended by celebrities, members of the community, businesses and public officials who saw ten community projects receive awards for their dedication to community activity.

The event was hosted by actor and radio presenter Dean Sullivan, and attended by Community Foundation's Patron, Cherie Blair, actor Ricky Tomlinson, writer Jimmy McGovern, TV producer Phil Redmond, actress Cathy Tyson and a host of other high profile individuals.

Community Foundation for Merseyside Chief Executive, Dave Roberts, said: "We give out around £5 million to community groups each year so we see the depth of good work that is going on in our communities. The Spirit of Merseyside celebrates that work and rewards individuals, groups and organisations who may not otherwise get the recognition they deserve. The evening was a huge success, bringing community groups together with donors to showcase their work."

The event began with a three course meal before the awards ceremony, during which guests saw films of all 37 nominated groups, individuals or companies, produced by local film maker clare makes films.

Mr Roberts added: "This evening ensures that our community groups understand how valued they are by all members of our society. It also allows us the opportunity to show businesses the impact that they can have on people’s lives by supporting the Community Foundation."

Highlights from the evening included:

- Tina Waters, a mother who won the Unsung Hero Award for her volunteer work setting up the Anfield and Breckfield Play and Development group;

- Ricky Tomlinson, who won the Celebrity Champion Award for his support of Liverpool Academy of Art, who also picked up the Cultural Champions Award;

- The Keepmoat Foundation who won the Peoples’ Company of the Year;

- Merseyside Police winning for the second year running, in the Funding Pioneer of the Year Award;

- The Butterflies Project winning the Children and Young People Award;

- Halton Access to Sports Forum picking up the Health and Well-being Award;

- The Green Machine helping present an Award to Merseyside and West Lancashire Bat Group

- Jimmy McGovern accepting the Enterprising Communities Award on behalf of Young Enterprise North West

- United Residents Association winning the United Communities Award.

The event was opened by Community Foundation Patron, Cherie Blair. Mrs Blair made a speech on the impact of the Community Foundation, who distributed around 1,000 grants to community projects last year.

For more information about the Community Foundation for Merseyside and how you can get involved in supporting your local community, please contact the Partnerships and Philanthropy team on 0151 966 3566 or visit www.cfmerseyside.org.uk