Wigan sheltered housing volunteers - most of whom are residents themselves - win King's award

And all but three of the Kildare Grange winners in Hindley are residents themselves!

They run a host of activities to keep the older residents active and entertained, including regular coffee mornings, bingo and social dances, and also invite in people from outside the centre, who might be lonely or isolated, to join in the fun.

The volunteers are: Graham Knight, Betty Jervis, Alma Graham, Sally Knight, Dot Dean, Betty Makin, Janet Smith, Josie Roper, Dianne Waring, Jaqui Pemberton, Susan Connell and Maureen Culshaw and as well as organising and hosting events they also bring in tasty refreshments including highly popular cakes!

Resident and volunteer Graham, who runs the social and dance section, said: “It’s a great team effort and we are thrilled to have won such a prestigious award.

"All the activities are great for over-65s.”

Scheme manager Gill O’Byrne said: “I am very impressed with the volunteers because they do an awful lot for the residents and the community as well.

"They put a lot of time and effort in. They especially try to get people who are socially isolated involved and there have been some who have come to events and liked it so much that they have put their names down for a place.”

Coun Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted that the hard work and dedication of this inspirational group of volunteers has been recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“The group are a fantastic example of the incredible community spirit we’re proud to have here in Wigan Borough, putting so much time and effort into bringing people together and brightening the lives of others in their local neighbourhood.

“I’m sure their outstanding commitment is appreciated by all the residents of Kildare Grange, and on behalf of both the council and, I’m sure, the whole borough, I’d like to say a massive congratulations to them on receiving this highly prestigious and well-deserved award.”