Aston Projects and Volunteers Honoured at Aston Community Oscars

April 2 2010 by Kat Keogh, Birmingham Mail

Community heroes were given their chance to shine in the spotlight when the “Oscars” came to Birmingham.

More than 250 people gathered at Aston Villa Football Club for the Aston Community Oscars Ceremony, which celebrated the work of groups and individuals who had made a difference to the lives of people living in Aston.

Six awards were up for grabs at the ceremony, which was attended by councillors and members of the community.  Among those who took their place on the podium were the families of Letisha Shakespeare and Charlene Ellis for the Letisha and Charlene Education Awards.  They were presented with the Education award by Justice Williams MBE in recognition of their “continued contribution to the community of Aston for the last five years”.

Youth Sports organisation City United Ltd took home the Community Safety award for their outreach work with young people, including mentoring, sporting opportunities and after-school clubs.

Graphic Designer and writer Andrew Lindo was presented with the Employment and Business Award for his work reporting on community events and urban issues.

The Housing and Environment Award went to the St James Support and Advice Centre, which provides specialist work with asylum seekers and refugee communities.

The Community Leadership Award was handed to the Birmingham Community Foundation, which has supported 210 grass roots projects over the past four year.

The Health award went to Volunteers and Community Leaders involved in Aston Pride Regeneration Theme and Community Outreach family support service.

Eddie Edmead, from award organisers Aston Pride NDC, Community Leadership Theme, paid tribute to the hard work put in by Volunteers and groups honoured at the awards.

He said: “ The focus of the Oscars was to bring the communities together, and to recognise the people and the projects who have done this.  These people have really put Aston on the map.”