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2026 Community Awards for IWD

This year's theme
#GiveToGain

IWD26 Theme Give to Gain Promo.jpg

Make a Difference GM invited your organisation to nominate an inspiring woman for our Community Awards in celebration of International Women's Day 2026 – #GiveToGain. We're looking for women who've made significant community contributions, showing leadership, resilience, and passion.

 

You recognised women who've made a difference but haven't received recognition before, yet have done incredible community work at a grassroots level. 

 

The award ceremony will be held at the Loft Social in Stockport on 13th March (10 am to 2 pm). All nominees must be available to attend our event to receive their award.

 

Thanks in advance for your nominations, and we look forward to celebrating with you. Dress to impress.

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NOMINATIONS & CATEGORY
WINNER
AWARDED
NOMINATIONS & CATEGORY
Katy Frankland, is Young Carers Lead at Signpost for Carers. She has devoted her career to improving the lives of children and young people who care for family members affected by illness, disability, mental ill health or addiction. She has built a trusted, borough‑wide service that ensures young carers, often hidden and under immense pressure, are identified early and given the support they need to thrive. Katy’s contribution is long‑standing, grassroots and life‑changing, and she is truly deserving of recognition for the support she gives to unpaid carers.
Mark Rogers from Stockport Homes works from a person-centred approach with local community groups and charities. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. Nothing is too small for Mark. He has brought in over a million pounds into the sector in funding. His resilience and passion shines through the work that he does and each person he meets. There is only 1 Mark Rogers!
Sarah White is the founder of Capture & Calm Walks, a CIC dedicated to improving women’s mental wellbeing through creativity, connection, and time in nature, to give support to parents of disabled children. She has created a gentle, accessible space where women can walk together, take photographs, craft, and rediscover the restorative benefits of slowing down. Her work encourages women to recognise their own needs and prioritise activities that support emotional balance and resilience. It’s about slowing down, enjoying nature and everyday details, and sharing photos in a kind, supportive space. Her local women’s group in Romiley, require no materials or prior experience just openness and a willingness to pause, notice the world around us, and experience the calming flow that creativity can bring.
Amelia Holland is an extraordinary young woman whose courage and resilience far exceed her years. Despite facing more challenges than any young person should, she continues to rise with remarkable strength and compassion. For over a year, Amelia has been a dedicated volunteer with Autisk, supporting children and young people with SEND. Her presence has become a source of inspiration for children with addition needs. Even while navigating her own personal battles, she has shown unwavering commitment, using teamwork, empathy, and determination to overcome obstacles and uplift others. Her volunteering reminder to us all of the profound impact one person can have on many people’s lives.
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International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

 

This year's theme is Give to Gain.

 

Join Make a Difference GM:

  • Glitter face painting

  • Jewellery making

  • Bollywood workshop

  • Banner making

  • Storytime – with Prof. Jackie Carter

  • Info stall on local services for women and girls

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