Mahdlo stars shine at awards...

Proud winners - all the Mahdlo stars with their awards

YOUNG stars shone at Mahdlo, as their achievements were recognised in a glitzy award ceremony.

From over 4,500 members, 50 nominees were shortlisted at the annual Stars Awards at the Egerton Street youth zone.

With categories ranging from arts and performance, to sports and community projects, the awards recognise the diverse talents of the young people, all of whom display outstanding commitment, dedication and personal progress.

Mahdlo works closely with other organisations, as recognised by the Working In Partnership Award. This year, the nominees included Mind, who deliver counselling services at Mahdlo, POINT (Parents Of Oldham In Touch), who have been integral in the development of Mahdlo’s family zone sessions, the Sholver Millennium Green Project, which has been working in the community to develop environmental activities, and PC Lee Cullen, who was the winner on the night.

Through his work in Greater Manchester Police’s Failsworth neighbourhood team, PC Cullen was instrumental in setting up Mahdlo’s Friday night sessions at Failsworth Town Hall.

He continues to support the team on a weekly basis, and young people are benefitting greatly from this partnership with over 100 young people attending each week.

Other awards included the mentoring match of the year for participants of the Mahdlo Mentoring Programme – which provides one-to-one support for young people to help them overcome issues and barriers they may be facing – and the young leader of the year award, which recognises the commitment of senior zone members who volunteer their time to help out in junior zone sessions.

Terry Flanagan, chairman of Mahdlo, said: “As Mahdlo enters its fifth year, we must thank all of our supporters, patrons and partners, but crucially the parents and young people who come to Mahdlo every week.

“We have around 1500 visits per week from young people and families who enjoy the facilities and benefit from our services and we are so proud of that.

“Tonight is a night to celebrate them and their achievements – congratulations to all nominees and winners.”