Individual award

Winner: Carl Kelsall, St Peter's Youth

Carl KelsallIn 2005, Carl Kelsall took over as strategy manager. Carl realised there was a lack of projects able to deliver the outcomes young people needed to tackle years of poverty and inequality in the Tameside area. Carl believed the solution lay within local communities and so started the Grow Your Own Scheme.

Three years on, this project is creating long term opportunities and solutions for the local community with outcomes including intercultural dialogue, falling crime rates, employment, training and education.

Carl is able to address deep rooted issues about race and ethnicity in positive, thought provoking ways. He is an inspiring leader with deep commitment to community development. He is able to motivate people and is a can-do person who encourages others to become ‘doers’.

The Judges particularly welcomed Carl’s inclusive and participatory approach and innovation in getting the project up and running on a strong partnership basis. They highlighted his strong commitment to grassroots development based on twenty years of experience.