Stockport’s annual Volunteer Awards shine a light on community heroes at Stockport Rocks! 2026
Stockport communities came together at Stockport Rocks! 2026 on May 19th, an unforgettable evening celebrating the dedication, passion and impact of local volunteers.
Hosted at Stockport County, the annual volunteer awards ceremony, organised by Sector 3 and Stockport Volunteer Hub, welcomed over 400 attendees, including more than 200 incredible volunteers whose work strengthens communities across Stockport by bringing people together and inspiring positive change.
This year also saw a record number of nominations, with 338 submitted, highlighting the remarkable variety of volunteering across the borough. The event recognised the everyday contributions of individuals and groups whose kindness, commitment and community spirit make a meaningful difference to others everyday.
From entirely volunteer-led projects to longstanding community champions, the evening highlighted the different ways residents in Stockport give back.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see so many individuals and groups recognised, and especially encouraging to see a record number of nominations this year, reflecting the growing spirit of volunteering in our borough. On behalf of the council, I’d like to thank every volunteer for the time, care and energy they give to others. You are at the heart of our borough.”
The evening opened with a special performance from the Doing Dementia Differently Intergenerational Choir, in partnership with EDUCATE and Stockport School. The choir performed three songs: Walking on Sunshine, Moon River and Mamma Mia. Setting the tone for an uplifting and memorable evening.
Stockport Rocks! 2026 Winners
This year's awards featured 11 categories, each showcasing the talent and commitment within Stockport’s voluntary sector:
Environmental champion award winner: Hannah Hodgson from The Garden House Marple
Health and Wellbeing award winner: Maxine Loughlin, formerly from Stockport Homes
Armed Forces award winner: Moz Perkins from Stockport Armed Forces Community Association
Long Service award winner: Mary Dutton, from Brinnington Community Centre
Fundraiser of the year award winner: Brenda Marsh, from Walthew House
Young Volunteer of the year award winner: Adam Finch and Gracie Shaw
Unsung Hero award winner: John Hosler, from National Association for People Abused in Childhood
Good Neighbour award winner: Katie Bradburn, from Craig Road Residents Association
One Stockport award winner: Shereen Ibrahim and Noha Ibrahim, from Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities
Proper Good Business award winner: Caroline Brown, from Grassroots Recruitment
Voluntary Organisation award winner: Reddish Men in Sheds
Volunteer of the year award winner: Mary Dutton, from Brinnington Community Centre
Stockport Volunteer Hub and Sector 3 would like to give a special thank you to event partners: Stockport Council, Marketing Stockport, Stockport County Community Trust and Edgeley Park for their support. As well as a big thank you to the headline sponsor, Kao Data, alongside all other sponsors, see full list below. musicMagpie, PossAbillities, Hallidays HR, JCM Business Solutions, Life Leisure, Nexperia, Michelle Hay, SAFCO, Rowlinson, Starkey, Vernon Building Society, Nailing The Finances, The Goodness Collective, Mastercall, Kitsch Republic, Pure Innovations, Grassroots Recruitment, Cantec Energy Solutions, Fairhurt Buckley, APS Group, Swizzels, Room to Reward, National Trust Lyme Park and Royal Nawaab.
Clare Finch, Sector 3 & Stockport Volunteer Hub said:
“Stockport Rocks! Reminds us of what it looks like to care, step up and look out for each other. This year we received the highest number of nominations yet, including lots of young people. What has been so wonderful is the incredible variety of volunteering happening in Stockport and how the community has recognised this.
Volunteers' week is just around the corner (1-7 June) and we’ll be continuing the celebrations online so please keep an eye out to learn more about what volunteering looks like in Stockport.”
All nominees received a certificate in recognition of their contribution, while winners were presented with awards and exclusive prizes on the night, including a trophy and a UK hotel break, courtesy of Room to Reward. All shortlisted finalists also received a day pass to National Trust Lyme Park. Attendees enjoyed a red-carpet experience throughout the evening, with award winners interviewed shortly after receiving their awards on stage.
To see highlights and photos from the night, follow ‘Stockport Volunteer Hub’ on Instagram and Facebook.
For volunteering opportunities and more information about Stockport Rocks! 2026, visit the Stockport Volunteer Hub website via https://www.stockportvolunteerhub.org.uk/ .
If you are interested in helping out in your local community, but are not sure where to start, get in touch with your Stockport Volunteer Hub Team - support@stockportvolunteerhub.org.uk