Stockport Volunteer Club Logo in a landscape format
SKROCKS balloon arch

The spirit of generosity and community pride shone brightly last month as Stockport Rocks! 2025 honoured the outstanding individuals and organisations whose voluntary contributions are helping to shape a more compassionate, inclusive, and resilient borough. 

Hosted by Stockport Volunteer Hub and Sector 3 (Stockport’s charity infrastructure support organisation) and held at Stockport County F.C, the celebration, now in its second year, spotlighted a handful of individuals behind the scenes—the volunteers whose dedication continues to uplift lives and strengthen neighbourhoods across Stockport. 

Stories of some of the shortlisted individuals include a team of angels helping families to stay together through parental coaching, a group of students saving thousands of plastic bottle lids from going to waste, a football coach removing barriers to sport through the formation of a local SEND football team, a spreadsheet whizz using their expertise to track volunteer impact and much, much more. 

Across the 11 categories, those shortlisted received a certificate as well as a Life Leisure pass, National Trust Lyme Park pass and a voucher from Room to Reward, who donate surplus hotel rooms to volunteers. Winners from each category received the above as well as a Stockport Rocks! Trophy. 

Bernard Kivel said on winning the One Stockport Award and Volunteer of the Year Award: 

“I’m so proud of everyone who works with me at Heaton Norris Community Centre, and everybody I work with. They make things amazing. We just open doors. And things happen when we open that door.” 

To discover the full Shortlist and Winners, click the button below!

Stockport Rocks!
Letters spelling 'SK Rocks' lit up in a dark room

Over 150 volunteers celebrated at Stockport's first

Volunteer Awards in over a decade

On Tuesday 21 May Stockport hosted the first ever Stockport Rocks! 

This unforgettable evening saw 400 guests gather at Edgeley Park to honor the extraordinary local volunteers who positively impact the lives of many in our community.

The event was impeccably hosted by Stockport County Club President, Steve Bellis, who guided us through a night where 32 individuals and organisations were presented with awards.

However, it wasn’t just about the winners. Over 150 volunteers were present at the Awards, all of whom had been nominated for an Award and were treated to a magical night including a two course meal and drinks. After dinner we were treated to an emotional performance by Beechwood Community Choir.

Stockport Rocks! was a team effort between Stockport Volunteer Hub, Sector 3, Stockport County Community Trust, Marketing Stockport, and Stockport Council. Plus of course the incredible array of sponsors, made up of local businesses, who helped make the event a reality.

We received an overwhelming 300 nominations across 101 different organisations, which made the judging process a considerable challenge! But what a lovely challenge to have.

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, summed up the feeling of the night, saying:

“I was honored to celebrate the fantastic achievements of so many of our volunteers at the inaugural Stockport Rocks! Awards. Volunteers are the backbone of our community, and it’s essential to acknowledge their significant contributions towards creating a happy and healthy Stockport.”

The night was filled with joy, appreciation, and tears as we celebrated the fantastic individuals that help make Stockport the friendly place it is.

We’ll definitely be back again for Stockport Rocks 2025!

The Winners and Highly Commended:

Volunteer Mentor Award – sponsored by Planisware

Winner:

  • Carol Potts – Beechwood Cancer Care

Highly Commended:

  • Andrew Millest – CERA Cycloan
  • Sue Dockney (pictured) – Empowering Parents Empowering Communities

Winner:

  • Steve Hall – Banter & Brews

Highly Commended:

  • Karen Ainley (picutred) – Stockport County Community Trust
  • Luigi Di Vuono

WINNER:

  • Agnes Pimblett – Friends of Heaton Norris Park

 

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Carl Palmer – Woodley & Bredbury Community Garden

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Greg Pike – Marple Climate Group

WINNER:

  • Paul Goddard & Jimmy Glinden – Brinnington Park Leisure Complex 

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Carmel O’Mally – St Peter’s Helpers 

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Richard Hubbard – Cheadle & Gatley Football Club 

WINNER:

  • Sarah Hardy – Offerton Community Kitchen

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • David Parkinson – Woodley & Bredbury Neighbours 

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Katie Bradburn – Craig Road Residents Association 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION:

  • Anne Holland – Starting Point 

WINNER:

  • Datesand

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Novanta

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Nexperia

WINNER:

  • Andrew Roughley – Roughley’s Bike Show 

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Ben Autumn – NAPAC 

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Maurice Perkins – Stockport Armed Forces Covenant 

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Samantha Merrick – Pure Insight & Keira’s Kingdom 

WINNER:

  • Marjorie Bennett – Girlguiding 

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Eileen Bailey – Stockport Car Scheme 

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Margaret Thomson – St Ann’s Hospice 

Winner:

  • Elizabeth Nichols – ARC (Arts for Recovery in the Community)

 

Highly Commended:

  • Daniel Reid – Seashell Trust

Highly Commended:

  • Megan Finch – Signpost Stockport for Carers

Highly Commended:

  • Zak Higson-Dibb – Grove Lane Baptist Church

WINNER – Volunteer Team:

  • The Wellspring
  • Dementia Disco (pictured)

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • All for Ukraine

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • Brinnington SEND

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

  • OWLS

Our phone number has changed

We are temporarily without a home as we wait to move into our new office in the new year.

This means that our old phone number is no longer in use. Please look out for our new number, which we’ll have in the new year.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

We are still contactable via email on support@stockportvolunteerhub.org.uk