The Welcome community centre in Knutsford wins the Prime Minister's Big Society Award

The Welcome in Knutsford was recently awarded the Prime Minister's Big Society Award in recognition of its achievements in promoting social action, empowering communities and opening up public services.

The centre, which serves the Longridge, Shaw Heath and other communities of Knutsford, comprises a Community Café and runs a number of activities including adult literacy, numeracy and ICT skills, youth clubs, craft and fitness clubs for the elderly, and activities for children, young people and families.

George, who has visited The Welcome in his constituency and supported its application for the award said:

 “I am delighted that The Welcome has received this very well deserved award.  The volunteers there are doing a great job and they continue to launch new initiatives to help local people”

Congratulating The Welcome on the award, the Prime Minister said:

“The Welcome started with the simple ambition of creating a centre for the community offering good value meals in a safe place.  By listening to the needs of the people who use the centre and constantly adding the services and support they asked for it has truly become the heart of that community.

This is a fantastic example of the Big Society – local volunteers delivering services local people need on their doorstep.

Everyone at The Welcome should be proud of the achievement this award recognises and I hope they continue to provide a valuable service for the whole community.”

Accepting the award Marie Fox, Operations Manager of The Welcome said:

“This is a wonderful recognition of the work that has been done over the years The Welcome has been working in our community. The Welcome brings together all ages and all different parts of the community, and this award reflects both the strength and the commitment of people in our community to support one another.

The Welcome continues to look at new ways of supporting local people and we hope that this award will assist us in raising funds and awareness so that we can continue to make a difference to people’s lives.”

Chair of Trustees of The Welcome Mark Green added,

“I am delighted that The Welcome is being recognised in this way. For over 15 years the hard work of our volunteers, and the support of countless people and organisations, in particular Knutsford Methodist Church, has kept the doors of The Welcome open.

That commitment means that many hundreds of people have had The Welcome experience, sitting down with friends to eat or drink in the community café; equipping themselves with crucial skills in adult education; having fun and learning at our youth clubs; involving themselves in family based activities. This award is for all those people over the years whose work and support has made The Welcome possible.”

The Big Society Awards were set up by the Prime Minister in November 2010. The aim is to acknowledge individuals and organisations across the UK that demonstrate the Big Society in their work or activities. In so doing, the aim is also to galvanise others to follow.

If you would like to further information on The Welcome please visit their website at www.thewelcome.org.uk or by phone on 01565 750 905.