Contents:
- Editor's welcome
- Daisi Daniels
- Rochdale’s ‘gothic masterpiece’ Town Hall is being restored to its full glory
- Broadfield Park
- Sarah Fitchett Woman of Rochdale 2022
- Upperbanks
- Jolly Josh charity opens fully-inclusive centre for disabled children
- ’Thank you’ funds raised for hospital by children
- Highest award for Rochdale soup kitchen
- H Bell & Sons celebrate 110 years of business
- The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2022
- Gardening tips for Summer
- BES: Delivering industry-leading expertise from Rochdale
- Luxury travel brand eShores turns 15
- This Summer take a holiday from binge boozing
- Permanent eyebrows - what are they all about?
- Guided Walks
- Pineapple upside-down cake and piña colada
- Royal Jubilee recognition for Brad Gartland after setting up local male mental health charity »
- Rochdale Lacrosse win David Beesley Cup after unbeaten season
- The earliest days of rugby football in Rochdale
- Highlights of a mayoral year
- Hairdressing trend - Beach Waves
Summer 2022Royal Jubilee recognition for Brad Gartland after setting up local male mental health charity
Brad Gartland, 25, who volunteers for male mental health group Andy’s Man Club, and founded his own branch in home town Rochdale, has been selected as a Platinum Champions volunteer as part of an official Jubilee project.
Brad was selected as a Platinum Champion from over 300 people who were nominated in the North West area for their dedication to volunteering. Nationally, he joins a line-up of 490 volunteers.
Brad impressed the judges with his resilience in the face of personal tragedy, using his experience to give his time to male mental health talking group, Andy’s Man Club, and also founding the Stephen Gartland Foundation in memory of his dad.
Brad said: “I sadly lost my dad to suicide in 2016, and in his honour was inspired to make a difference and banish the taboo surrounding male mental health.
“I decided to volunteer at Andy’s Man Club – a safe space where men can come to talk about any issues they may face – in the hope that I can do my bit to uplift anyone who may be facing similar difficulties.
“In 2020, I founded my own branch in Rochdale.
“I dedicate my Platinum Champion award to everyone who has been struggling, feels isolated, and feels like they can’t go on.”
The Platinum Champions Awards were initiated by national charity, Royal Voluntary Service and its President, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, in honour of Her Majesty The Queen and the example she has set in 70 years of service. The awards celebrate extraordinary volunteers across the UK who are making a difference every day.
All 490 Platinum Champions will receive a specially designed pin and a signed certificate from HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.
Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall said: “The Platinum Champions Awards, launched by Royal Voluntary Service in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 years of service, have given us the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contribution of all volunteers, who truly are the backbone of our country.
“Congratulations to all our Platinum Champions – and my heartfelt thanks to you and to the millions of volunteers across the UK who give their time and talents so generously.”
Andy’s Man Club meet every Monday (except Bank Holidays) from 7pm and is open to any male aged over 18. Find out more at andysmanclub.co.uk.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@ samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.