Nominations now open for Stockport Rocks! 2026

Stockport Rocks! Returns for Third Year to Celebrate Outstanding Local Volunteers

Stockport Rocks! is set to return for a third year on May 19th, to celebrate and recognise the incredible contribution of Volunteers in Stockport and the difference they make in our community. Stockport Rocks! Is delivered by Sector 3 and Stockport Volunteer Hub with support from partners: Stockport Council, Stockport County Community Trust, Marketing Stockport as well as sponsors such as KAO Data.

After a successful turn out last year, Stockport Rocks! will be taking place at Edgeley Park, home of Stockport County, for its third year. Continuing the tradition of hosting the ceremony at one of Stockport’s most well-known venues.

"Stockport is full of fantastic groups and organisations doing wonderful things for our community, - but it’s our volunteers who give it all heart. They’re the quiet heroes doing extraordinary things. So, we’re bringing people together, lifting the spirits, and giving them a well‑earned celebration to show just how much they mean to us!"

Clare Finch, Business Lead at Sector3

Over the past two years, Stockport Rocks! has recognised many inspiring volunteers and organisations whose work has had an impact on our community. Previous winners help encourage others to get involved in volunteering across the borough. From individuals like Bernard Kivel who was awarded 'Volunteer of the Year' for his dedication to the Heaton Norris Community Centre, who has also been invited to the King’s Annual Garden Party; Kell Degnen, winner of the 'Environment Award' for her hard work transforming the Marbury Road Edible Garden and inspiring others to join in; and Lizzy Akindele, awarded with the 'Unsung Hero Award’ for her outstanding 15 years of volunteering and for leading sewing projects that have empowered more than 130 women from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Nominations now open

Nominations are now open from February 2nd – March 16th. This year's award ceremony will feature 11 different categories, raising awareness on the wide range of different ways volunteers support our community. Stockport Volunteer Hub urge people to help recognise volunteers’ hard work, compassion and dedication, by nominating an individual valued in the community.

To nominate, visit the Stockport Rocks page via the Stockport Volunteer Hub Website, where you’ll also find full details about this year’s upcoming event.

The award categories are:

Health and Wellbeing Volunteer

For those who support people to live healthy & happy lives

Armed Forces Volunteer

Recognising veterans in our communities

Good Neighbour Volunteer

For individuals that look out for their neighbours and community

One Stockport Volunteer

Someone who champions inclusivity for all

Young Volunteer

For those under the age of 25

Long Service Volunteer

A person who has loyally dedicated their time over a long period

Unsung Hero Volunteer

For those working behind the scenes quietly and selflessly

Fundraiser of the Year Volunteer

Honours the commitment & effort gone in to raising money for charity

Proper Good Business Award

For businesses that give back

Voluntary Organisation

Celebrating an organisation run entirely by volunteers

Environmental award

For those looking after our green spaces and wildlife for everyone to enjoy