Community groups and charities who have reduced poverty across south Manchester are being encouraged to nominate themselves for the Paul Goggins Memorial prize.
The national prize is worth £3,000 and will be awarded to the best civil society initiative that can demonstrate that it has reduced poverty within the community.
The award was set up to celebrate the legacy of Labour’s Wythenshawe and Sale East MP Paul Goggins who served the constituency from 1997 until he died earlier this year aged just 60.
Kate Green, MP for Trafford and Urmston, is encouraging charities and community group to put themselves forward.
Kate said: “Paul was a passionate campaigner for social justice, and a dear friend and parliamentary neighbour to me.
“I am delighted parliament will honour his memory with a prize that will recognise the important work that goes on in our communities to help alleviate poverty and suffering.”
The judges will be on the hunt for insightful and engaging ideas that have worked effectively in and with local communities.
Proposals can be submitted in any form and all creative ways of expression are greatly encouraged. Entrants may submit Photographs, videos and other supporting evidence with their application.
Father of three Paul was born in Manchester and trained as a social worker before running a children’s home.
He was director of the Church Action on Poverty campaign group before becoming an MP, also serving as a councillor in Salford.
The former Northern Ireland and Home Office minister was elected in 1997 and co-founded the all party parliamentary group Friends of Cafod (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development).
He collapsed during a run on January 7 and died a week later.
Kate said: “Paul often spoke of the inspiring community projects that could make such a difference, and I know of many excellent initiatives and groups who I hope will enter for the prize.”
To enter, the organisation or project will need Kate to nominate them before October 5 2014.
MPs of shortlisted projects will be invited to present the proposals in the House of Commons on 19th November 2014, at an awards ceremony to be hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Poverty and the Webb Memorial Trust will be giving the cash sum to the winner of the award.
If you would like to nominate your group or organisation for the Paul Goggins Memorial Prize please email Kate directly at [email protected].
