Organised by Stockport Volunteer Hub and Sector 3 (Stockport’s charity infrastructure support organisation) with support from Stockport Council, Stockport County Community Trust, Marketing Stockport and Kao Data and held at Stockport County F.C, the celebration, now in its second year, spotlighted a handful of individuals behind the scenes—the volunteers whose dedication continues to uplift lives and strengthen neighbourhoods across Stockport.
Stories of some of the shortlisted individuals include a team of angels helping families to stay together through parental coaching, a group of students saving thousands of plastic bottle lids from going to waste, a football coach removing barriers to sport through the formation of a local SEND football team, a spreadsheet whizz using their expertise to track volunteer impact and much, much more.
Across the 11 categories, those shortlisted received a certificate as well as a Life Leisure pass, National Trust Lyme Park pass and a voucher from Room to Reward, who donate surplus hotel rooms to volunteers. Winners from each category received the above as well as a Stockport Rocks! Trophy.
Bernard Kivel (pictured below) said on winning the One Stockport Award and Volunteer of the Year Award:
“I’m so proud of everyone who works with me at Heaton Norris Community Centre, and everybody I work with. They make things amazing. We just open doors. And things happen when we open that door.”
Eddie Owen, from Stockport County Community Trust, accepted the Stockport Moves Award on behalf of Annie-Marie Booth, who runs the Stockport Walking Football group for people diagnosed with Parkinsons.
“On behalf of Annie, I just want to get across how inspirational she is. We started our program here [Stockport County Community Trust] in November of last year. She was one of the first people I was introduced to. She plays for the England team. She goes all around the world playing. She was diagnosed in her late 40s and what she’s done to bring people to get involved in sport has been absolutely amazing. And I think having people like that in Stockport locally is incredibly inspiring. We couldn’t do the work that we do without her.”
Stockport Pride on winning Voluntary Organisation of the Year:
“It really means alot to us. Volunteers are the thing that really keep Stockport Pride going. They’re the people that work throughout the year to organise things, they’re the people who volunteer on the day and also the voluntary organisaitons on the day that attend. It’s all about volunteers.”
This year’s shortlist represents the dynamic breadth of volunteerism—from digital inclusion champions and community gardeners, to inclusive sports coaches, good neighbours, and tireless fundraisers. Their contributions span generations, cultures, and causes—proving that the act of giving back comes in many powerful forms.
Nominations exceeded 200, across 83 different organisations, a number that is a small reflection of the over 57,000 strong volunteering community we have in Stockport.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Roberts (pictured with Volunteer of the Year, Bernard Kivel, says:
“Stockport’s volunteers make our borough a stronger and more supportive place to live and work. From organising community events and supporting families, to fundraising and working on environmental initiatives, their work is invaluable and I’m delighted Stockport Rocks! helps us to celebrate it.”
Jo McGrath, CEO of Sector 3 says:
“Stockport Rocks! is all about celebrating everyday kindness—the small acts that often go unnoticed but make a big difference. It shines a light on the strength within our communities and the essential role volunteers play in building and sustaining that strength.
Volunteers are the backbone of so many vital services—quietly stepping in where support is needed most, right in the heart of our neighbourhoods. Without them, our communities would struggle.
In challenging times, this spirit of community has never been more vital.”
2025 Award Winners Announced:
- Volunteer of the Year – Bernard Kivel, Heaton Norris Community Centre
- Corporate Volunteer – CDL for their work with Seashell Trust
- Environmental Champion – Kell Degnen, Marbury Road Edible Garden
- Fundraiser of the Year – David & Anita Hird, Chelwood Foodbankplus
- Good Neighbour – Jeffrey Boardman
- Health & Wellbeing Award – Gillian Oatley, Lips Inked Arts
- Long Service Award – Stephen Davies, Headway Stockport
- One Stockport Award – Bernard Kivel, Heaton Norris Community Centre
- Stockport Moves Award – Annie-Marie Booth, Stockport County Community Trust
- Unsung Hero Award – Lizzy Akindele, Stockport Race Equality Partnership
- Voluntary Organisation of the Year Award – Stockport Pride
- Young Volunteer of the Year – Josie Annis, National Association for People Abused in Childhood
View the full shortlist at: www.stockportvolunteerhub.org.uk/stockport-rocks
Stockport Rocks! 2025 would not have been possible without the support of local businesses and organisations, including:
Stockport Council
Stockport County Community Trust
Edgeley Park
Marketing Stockport
Kao Data
musicMagpie
APS Group
Room to Reward
Nexperia
Possabilities CIC
Planisware
Innovate Stockport
Vernon Building Society
Seashell Trust
Rowlinson
Cera Cycloan
Visiting Angels
Stok
John Lewis Partnership
Mastercall
Grassroots Recruitment
EK Automations
Life Leisure
Cantec Energy Solutions
Swizzels
National Trust
Hatters Promotions
Lancashire Electrical Solutions and
Michelle Hay Training
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