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.
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