We’re delighted to be sharing the love with our customers and communities in time for Valentine's Day as we announce your winners for Heart of the Community 2026.
We received nominations from across Greater Manchester highlighting the amazing work that goes on in our neighbourhoods across the region.
From good neighbours looking out for those living next door, to community groups and eco-champions doing wonderful things to make their area a great place to live, the entries we received were truly awe-inspiring.
Read on to meet your winners
The Good Neighbour Award - Jason Smethurst
Jason is our winner of The Good Neighbour Award. One of his nominators said: "Jason is constantly helping all the neighbours in any way he can, getting shopping, sorting out bins, taking in parcels. He loves animals and often takes neighbours dogs out for a walk along with his own. He is such an asset to us all. Many of us would be lost without him."
The Green Fingers Award - Wendy Dudley-Evans
Wendy is our winner of The Green Fingers Award. One of her nominators said: "She spends a lot of time and effort on her balcony creating a splash of colour for all the site to see from their windows."
The Community Champion - Jeannie Ashton
Jeannie is our winner of the Community Champion Award. One of her nominators said: "Jeannie is a wonderful lady. She has been running the weekly craft group since the hub opened just over a year ago. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone who comes through the door is made to feel welcome and included within the group. The atmosphere is always warm and joyful and each week and I always leave with a smile."
Community Group of the Year - G-Force Cafe
G Force Café are the winners of our Community Group of the Year. One of their nominators said: "The whole team at the café have truly been amazing with the people on the estate. From free food, and café meet ups to advice and kindness they are a credit to the community."
Well done to everyone who was nominated
These are our winners, but every nomination we received had a wonderful story to tell.
Anyone who was put forward for an award should soon receive a special delivery through the post containing a commemorative certificate recognising the impact they have made.
We hope it’s a small token of appreciation for everything they do in their community.
Sasha Deepwell, our Chief Executive, said: “It was amazing to see so many entries for this year's Heart of the Community awards. Our customers and community groups are doing so many great things in our neighbourhoods every day.
“Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to make a nomination and to our sponsors, whose generosity has provided a well-deserved prize for our worthy winners.”