Kendray Initiative wins Prime Minister’s Big Society Award
The Kendray Initiative in Barnsley - a project that has transformed the community through local action on housing, crime, employment and activities for young people is the third winner of the Prime Minister's Big Society Award.
The Kendray Initiative in Barnsley - a project that has transformed the community through local action on housing, crime, employment and activities for young people is the third winner of the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award.
The Prime Minister said:
Congratulations to the Kendray Initiative on becoming a Big Society Award winner.
Everyone involved in this project deserves recognition for transforming the lives of others in their community. Great ideas such as the Cleanup days, Kids Club and Young at Heart Group alongside plans for housing redevelopment and training initiatives have made a real difference to the people of Kendray.
The dedication and innovation shown in the Kendray Initiative is a proud example of the Big Society I want to see across the UK.
Ann Hart and Cynthia Cunningham are resident co-chairs of the Kendray Initiative Board. On winning the award they issued the following statement:
The Kendray Initiative is proof that partnership working really does work. It was set up by Barnsley Council in answer to residents concerns and enabled people in the community and service providers to work together to try and address Kendray’s many and varied problems. Residents, including the young people in the area, have been involved throughout and that has made Kendray a better place to live and work.
More information about the Kendray Initiative can be found at: www.kendray.net
More on the Big Society Awards:
The Prime Minister recently launched a new weekly award that recognises the best examples of the Big Society in action taking place all around the country.
As well as celebrating the fantastic work already being carried out across the country, the Prime Minister hopes that the Big Society Awards will inspire many more people to get involved in their community.
The Prime Minister said:
There are some amazing projects and remarkable voluntary work going on in towns and cities up and down the country, by all kinds of organisations from large enterprises to tiny grassroots schemes and inspirational individuals.
These awards are a chance to pay tribute to those making a valuable contribution to their community, the real champions of the Big Society, but perhaps more importantly, I hope they will motivate many others to take action, get involved and drive change in their area.
Individuals, businesses, charities, community groups and other organisations are all eligible if they illustrate the Big Society in action.
These might be:
- People or groups who are bringing their community together and helping to give people more power to take decisions and shape their area
- People who are transforming our public services, staff setting up their own cooperatives, or new providers or frontline staff finding innovative ways to deliver better services to the public
- Or people who are giving their time and money to help others, the unsung heroes changing lives in every neighbourhood of the country.
People can submit nominations via the No 10 website. Nominees will then go through a selection process which will eventually involve a panel of previous winners and individuals from civil society organisations, Government and the private sector.
Award winners will receive a certificate from the Prime Minister and will be invited to a regular Big Society Award Winners Reception at Downing Street.
To nominate a Big Society Award winner visit: /bigsocietyawards