Charity Manchester Cares was honoured at the National Diversity Awards at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in September for their work creating community networks in Manchester.
The National Diversity Awards honours grass roots organisations which make a difference in their communities, tackling contemporary issues and displaying a commitment to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
Manchester Cares was nominated in the Community Organisation Age category.
Manchester Cares facilitates relationships between the elderly and young professionals in order to combat the social disruption caused by a rapidly changing city landscape.
Vicky Harrold, Project Officer for Love Your Neighbour at Manchester Cares, said: “We were very honoured to be recognised for the work that we’ve done in terms of bringing different generations together, especially when we’re so new to Manchester.”
The organisation’s founder Alex Smith added: “Our work is designed to reduce loneliness and social, generational and attitudinal divides and to help people share power, purpose and belonging at a time of rapid change.
“Our programmes seek to help older and younger people alike to feel part of that changing landscape, rather than left behind by it. So we were proud that we were nominated for a National Diversity Award.
We’re chuffed to have been recognised in the @ndawards for bringing older and younger people together to share time, laughter and new experiences. Congrats to all the winners! pic.twitter.com/eoSxZxiTn1
— Manchester Cares (@ManchesterCares) September 15, 2018
“The recognition, even of our nascent work, means a lot because we believe strongly that in this global-facing, diverse city people need a diversity of relationships, experiences and community to thrive.”
The organisation runs three core programs across Manchester, Love Your Neighbour which builds one to one friendships between neighbours of different ages, Social Clubs, bringing communities together doing various activities from contemporary dance to crafts, and Winter Wellbeing, keeping people active and connected during cold months.
Manchester Cares began operating in Ancoats and the Northern Quarter in November 2017 and now has programs all over the city region. They are currently spreading out to areas of South Manchester including Moss Side, Levenshulme and Hulme.
They have two sister charities, South London Cares and North London Cares, and will soon be spreading into Liverpool.
Image courtesy of Manchester Cares via Twitter, with thanks.
