Pride of St Helens: Helena Partnerships Community Hero Award - Winner: Saints Community Development (From St Helens Star)

Pride of St Helens: Helena Partnerships Community Hero Award - Winner: Saints Community Development

11:03am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

THEY don’t often grab the headlines like their illustrious rugby league club partners, so this was the night when the work of Saints Community Development Foundation got its moment in the spotlight.

The independent charitable trust put in plenty of hard yards and are no strangers to tackling issues like bullying, racism, obesity, unemployment or offending.

Each year they work on imaginative projects by joining forces with organisations across St Helens. It is estimated their work reaches out to more than 50,000 young people.

Gordon Pennington, of the Saints CDF, said: “For us there is no greater accolade than to be honoured within the community.

“It's nice to receive recognition further afield, but for the people of St Helens to appreciate our work is fantastic.

“Obviously rugby league within the community is a huge part of our purpose and along with education, heritage, anti-bullying and healthy eating projects we can hopefully make a big difference to people's lives in St Helens.

“We were lucky enough to meet Jane and Janet (the other nominees) and they are both fantastic ladies who do wonderful things for the town.”

Peter Styche, chairman of the board at Helena Partnerships, which sponsored the award, said: “It is fantastic to be involved with these awards as we mark 10 years of being in the community.

“It gives us an opportunity to reflect on the great things that are going on in St Helens and the partnership work we do.”

Jane Dearden, of St Helens Carers Centre, and Janet Coy, a tireless volunteer for the Perth Centre, Thatto Heath, were highly commended.