The roar said it all: everyone was a winner.

 

As the awards were presented last night to Glasgow West and Central Community Champions, the applause from the audience of family and friends nearly took the roof off Drumchapel Community Centre.

This was a time to say thank you to finalists and winners who give so much to their local areas.

They were left in no doubt how much their hard-working efforts and dedication to others are appreciated.

Shirley Maxwell of Epilepsy Connections Volunteer Befrienders, finalists in the team award, summed it up. She said: "Our volunteer befrienders really are unsung heroes and it is great for them to get recognition at last."

The group's 18 committed volunteers give up their time to support 25 adults and their families, helping to reduce isolation and improve the health and wellbeing of epilepsy sufferers.

Presenting the team award, Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said groups and individuals can do so much more by working together.

"Without people providing these vital services, the city would be a poorer place.

"Our new slogan is 'People make Glasgow' and community champions make Glasgow the best city in the world."

This was the fourth event in this year's Community Champion Awards, celebrating work carried out in areas reaching from the city centre and Merchant City all the way out to Anniesland, Knightswood and Drumchapel.

The grand final awards ceremony takes place at the City Chambers in December.

Hosted last night by Evening Times editor Tony Carlin, he said he felt humbled by the campaigning spirit shown by all the finalists.

"We all know the challenges and opportunities which face the city," he said.

The greatest opportunity for transforming Glasgow lies with people like those we are honouring."

One of those doing her bit to single-handedly make a difference is Mary Bain, finalist in the senior award. The 64-year-old runs a weekly lunch club for senior residents in Knightswood.

Thanks to her efforts, 21 people get not just a home-made three-course lunch for £2.50, but the offer of friendship and much-needed company.

She also provides baking lessons and arranges day trips and social events.

"I was a bit shock to be nominated, I think it's the first time in life I've been lost for words," she laughed.

"Our club is just like a family - this award is over and above anything I've ever expected."

Yorkhill Children's Charity Tea Bar Volunteers have been providing a welcoming space to staff and patients, during what can be a particularly stressful time, for more than 20 years.

Fundraiser Aileen McConnell said the volunteers were absolutely delighted to be finalists.

"We are so grateful for the work they do, they are a fantastic bunch of people and provide a great service."

The outstanding contributions of those in the uniformed services who go above and beyond the call of duty was also acknowledged.

Finalists were City Centre Response Team, set up last year to deal with issues such as begging, drug dealing, vandalism and homelessness.

Officers provide a high visibility presence in the city centre and work closely with the business community.

Through their work they have become city centre ambassadors.

The team also supply intelligence to Police Scotland, which has resulted in a 34% drop in serious assaults, a 15% drop in vandalism and a 13% drop in drug supply.

Graeme MacDiarmid, head of operations and enforcement services at Glasgow Community and Safety Services, said the success of the project was all down to the hard work of the officers involved.

"I'm very honoured to be their boss," he said. "They are a credit to Glasgow."

The Hospital Broadcasting Service was nominated in the health and wellbeing award, presented by GHA chairman Gordon Sloan.

More than 1000 volunteers have played a part in making the time patients spend in hospital that little bit easier since the organisation was set up on Christmas Day, 1970.

"It's great for the station to be recognised like this," said Hospital Broadcasting Service presenter David Semple.

The achievements of Project Ability were noticed in the group's public service award nomination.

Based at Trongate 103, it helps adults and children with disabilities and mental heath issues discover their creative potential.

And Deborah Gibson, a better lives' officer for GHA, was nominated in the same category for working to improve the lives and the environment of local tenants.

She organised a mini Commonwealth Games event in May for local schools, which inspired children to take part in sport.

The night was also the chance to showcase local talent, with an acoustic performance by 16-year-old Ciaran Murray.

There was no better way to celebrate Glasgow's community champions.

angela.mcmanus@ eveningtimes.co.uk