Locals honoured at Rochdale Diversity Awards 2025 for championing equality and inclusion

Thursday, 30 October 2025 17:22

By David Murphy

Town hall ceremony celebrates organisations and individuals making Rochdale a fairer, more welcoming borough

Rochdale came together in celebration this October as the 13th annual Rochdale Diversity Awards shone a spotlight on the people working to make the borough more inclusive.

Held at the town hall and organised by Kashmir Youth Project (KYP), the event brought together civic leaders, local businesses, charities, and community groups to recognise those who promote equality, fairness and cohesion in Rochdale’s communities.

CEO of KYP Zulf Ahmed opened the ceremony by praising those being recognised:

“I am incredibly proud to stand before you this evening to recognise the extraordinary individuals and organisations working to make our borough more inclusive, more compassionate and more just.”

The event featured powerful speeches from His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant Asrar ul Haq OBE, Mayor of Rochdale Janet Emsley, Council Leader Neil Emmott, and Rochdale MP Paul Waugh.

Neil Emmott told the audience:

“Rochdale has a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world, and it’s fantastic that we have wonderful diversity throughout our community.”

Law student Isa Ahmed, who also addressed the event, reflected on what British identity and inclusion mean today:

“Being British is about everyday moments, growing up in a diverse community, and standing up for fairness. I believe in a future where our differences make us stronger.”

Rt. Hon. Paul Waugh MP added:

“In all the nominees tonight, we see a common thread – their passion for their community and the people they help and represent.”

Award winners on the night included:

Breaking Barriers Award – Rochdale Connections Trust
Outstanding Achievement in Diversity – Liz Holt, Rochdale Borough Council
Diversity in Public Sector Partnership Working – Independent Advisory Group (IAG) & Independent Community Scrutiny Panel (ICSP)
Diversity in Health Award – Asma Bibi, KYP
Community, Voluntary & Faith Sector Award – Altus Education Partnership
Cohesion Award – GMP Rochdale – Operation Ramadan
Education & Apprenticeships Award – KYP Learning & Skills Team

Breaking Barriers Awards Winners - Rochdale Connections Trust - Presented by Fiona Main from Rochdale Training

The judging panel was made up of local professionals from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Altus Education Partnership, Your Trust, Hopwood Hall College, Springhill Hospice, Molesworth Solicitors, Rochdale Training, GMP, and Rochdale Borough Council. Each nomination was carefully considered.

The SAWN Choir provided entertainment, with performances of traditional African music and uplifting covers. The evening also raised £302 in aid of Springhill Hospice.

The awards were backed by a long list of sponsors including Rochdale Borough Council, Your Trust, Altus Education Partnership, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Molesworths Solicitors, Community Carelines, Hopwood Hall College, Rochdale Training and the Rochdale Council of Mosques.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing said:

“We continue to be a very proud sponsor of the Rochdale Diversity Awards. Well done to all the winners, so many inspirational stories.”

Now in its 13th year, the Rochdale Diversity Awards remain a key date on the local calendar, celebrating the people creating a more equal, respectful, and unified borough.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Three Rochdale men charged with historic child sex offences involving teenage girl

Seven charges including multiple rapes brought against three men following major CSE investigation in Rochdale
MP joins basketball club to back grassroots sport in Bury North

Bury North MP James Frith took to the court with under-10s at Elton Basketball Club during a recent visit, praising the club’s grassroots spirit and its impact on local youth.
Police step up patrols as Halloween and Bonfire Night approach in Greater Manchester

Officers promise robust action against antisocial behaviour as part of 'Darker Nights' campaign
Crumpsall terror attack victim’s family thanks public for overwhelming support

The family of Melvin Cravitz say messages, vigils and small acts of kindness have brought strength in the wake of a devastating synagogue attack
Tetrosyl faces backlash over ‘fire and rehire’ move as union threatens industrial action

Usdaw registers formal dispute as local MPs condemn tactics affecting Rochdale workers
True crime stage show with live psychopath test coming to Rochdale this November

Rochdale true crime fans are being invited to test their own inner darkness as a nationwide live show exploring staged murders arrives in town next month.
Fake 999 calls put lives at risk, police warn after surge in hoax and abusive contacts

Greater Manchester Police say they are cracking down on malicious 999 calls after several arrests and convictions, including a man jailed for eight months and a woman accused of making over 140 abusive calls in just three months.
Row erupts over Diversity Awards as Workers Party councillor criticises event he did not attend

A political row has broken out over the Rochdale Diversity Awards after a councillor from the Workers Party of Britain accused organisers and speakers of politicising the event, prompting rebuttals from local Labour representatives.
£5.7m travel upgrade to reshape Fishpool and Pimhole starts this November

A year-long transformation of local streets in Fishpool and Pimhole is set to begin on Monday 3 November 2025, bringing major upgrades to walking, cycling and wheeling routes as part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network vision.
Remembrance events to honour our fallen across Bury

Services, wreath layings and parades to mark Armistice and Remembrance Sunday in Bury and surrounding areas.
Heart attack survivor urges Rochdale smokers to quit after 40 years of lighting up

A Kingsway man says free local support helped him finally quit smoking after major surgery, and now he wants others to follow his lead.
Shop’s licence to be reviewed after 14-year-old girl’s parents alleged she was found ‘inebriated’ after buying litre of vodka

A Bury town centre shop’s licence is to be reviewed after a 14-year-old girl’s parents alleged she was found ‘inebriated’ after buying a litre bottle of vodka there.