Published Tuesday 5 November 2024 at 10:48
An award which honours people who have made Blackburn a better place to live has been launched.
The Leader’s Award for the One Voice Awards 2025 is now open.
Photo: Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Cllr Phil Riley with the Leader’s Award trophy
The Leader’s Award, will acknowledge and reward an individual or an organisation that has shown strong leadership throughout the borough and to enhance the reputation of the town and its residents.
It will also look at entries that have shown a strong ethos of integration and cohesion in the town.
This is the ninth year of the Award with winners coming from all sections of the community.
The award for 2025 will be announced at the winner’s event on 29th January 2025 which will replace the awards dinner for that year. There will be no awards dinner in 2025 due to the unavailability of King Georges Hall as the iconic venue is set to go through a major revamp.
Commenting on the Leader’s Award, Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “This annual award gives me a great opportunity to hear about the determination of various organisations and individuals who make an extraordinary contribution to their town. The focus on unity is important. The strong relationships we have with people doing such great work is so powerful and helps us to improve the borough. We really can’t do enough to give them recognition.”
Photo: Debra Cartlidge – winner of the Leader’s Award 2024
Debra Cartlidge was the recipient of the last Leader’s Award.
Debra Cartlidge is the Chief Executive of the Deaf Village, a community she has created to reduce social isolation for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Deaf individuals from across the region access the Deaf Village for communication support, independence skills, peer support, enrichment opportunities and supported living care.
Debra said “I am thrilled and honoured to have been recognised in this way.
Right from the start, my mission has been to pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible society, particularly for our deaf community. Winning the award is not just a personal achievement, but also a testament to the incredible journey my amazing staff team have been on together!”
This prestigious community award is now in its ninth year and celebrates local people from all walks of life who go over and above to make Blackburn better.
Previous winners have included Blackburn Muslim Burial Society, Jamie Holman and Chris Seddon.
If you would like to nominate someone or an organisation send a 150-word explanation as to the reason for your choice. The closing date is 31stth December 2024.
Please email your nomination to: info@1vblackburn.org
The Leader’s Award is judged and presented by Council Leader Councillor Phil Riley.