Rochdale Diversity Awards Shine a Spotlight on Those Making a Difference

Posted by on 28 Oct 2026

More than 350 guests came together at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday evening as the Rochdale Diversity Awards 2026 honoured the individuals and organisations transforming lives, creating opportunities and bringing communities together across the borough.

Delivered by KYP (Kashmir Youth Project) since 2012, the awards recognised outstanding contributions to equality, diversity, inclusion and community cohesion. With finalists selected from more than 130 nominations, the evening showcased the very best of Rochdale and the people whose efforts make a positive difference every day.

The evening brought together civic leaders, businesses, public sector organisations, charities, community groups and residents to celebrate the people and organisations whose dedication continues to break down barriers, create opportunities and strengthen communities.

Zulf Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of KYP, said:

“The Rochdale Diversity Awards are about recognising the people and organisations whose commitment, compassion and leadership make a real difference to others every day.
This year we received more than 130 nominations, each telling a story of someone breaking down barriers, creating opportunities or helping others to thrive. Bringing together more than 350 guests to celebrate those achievements was incredibly special.

The awards remind us of the strength of our communities and the extraordinary things that happen when people come together with a shared commitment to making Rochdale a fairer, more inclusive and more connected borough.”

Award Winners

• Breaking Barriers Award – Rochdale Science Initiative C.I.C.
• Outstanding Achievement in Diversity Award – Mohammed Attaur Rahman
• Diversity in Public Sector Partnership Working Award – Petrus and Rochdale Community Safety Team - Town Centre Outreach Initiative
• Diversity in Health Award – Dr Tahir Bashir Baig
• Community, Voluntary & Faith Sector Award – Army of Kindness
• Cohesion Award – Creative Voices & Touchstones Rochdale
• Education & Apprenticeships Award – Deeplish Community Centre Summer Play Scheme
• Workforce Diversity Award – Altus Education Partnership

The audience also heard inspiring contributions from civic and community leaders from across the borough.

Councillor Andy Kelly, Deputy Mayor of Rochdale, spoke of his pride in Rochdale’s diverse communities and reflected on how the borough’s rich mix of cultures, backgrounds and traditions continues to be one of its greatest strengths.

Councillor Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, highlighted the importance of partnership and collective action in tackling inequality, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for residents across the borough.

Elsie Blundell MP, Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton North, praised the generosity, resilience and community spirit she has witnessed across Rochdale, highlighting the importance of bringing people together, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.

Julie Murphy, Chief Executive of Rochdale Borough Council, said:

“A truly inclusive community is one where nobody feels they have to leave part of themselves at the door to be accepted. We want every child and young person to believe they can succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. The finalists and winners we celebrate tonight are a powerful example of what can be achieved when we break down barriers, embrace diversity and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

Paul Waugh MP, Member of Parliament for Rochdale and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Early Education, said:

“The people and organisations recognised tonight represent the very best of Rochdale. Their dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others demonstrate the strength of our communities and the values that bring us together as a borough.”

Mohammed (Attaur) Rahman, founder of Rochdale Science Initiative C.I.C., winner of the Breaking Barriers Award and Outstanding Achievement in Diversity Award, said:

“Celebrating at the Rochdale Diversity Awards was a powerful reminder of what makes our borough special: its people, their resilience and their commitment to helping others thrive. These awards recognise the collective efforts of volunteers, community organisations and partners who work every day to create opportunities and remove barriers. It is an honour to be recognised alongside so many individuals and organisations making a meaningful difference across Rochdale.”

Entertainment was provided by the K&K Queensway Royals Morris Dancing Troupe, who opened the evening with a vibrant performance reflecting the rich diversity and cultural heritage celebrated throughout the awards.

The event was made possible through the generous support of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Altus Education Partnership, Rochdale Borough Council, Your Trust, Hopwood Hall College, For Generations to Come, Ingeus, Harvest Touch Youth & Skills Community Hub, Greater Manchester High Sheriff’s Police Trust, Action Together and Rochdale Development Agency.

The Rochdale Diversity Awards 2026 were proud to support Springhill Hospice as the event’s charity partner. Their dedication to providing outstanding care and support to patients and families across our communities reflects the values of compassion and service celebrated throughout the evening.

The Rochdale Diversity Awards continue to recognise the individuals, community groups, employers, public services and voluntary organisations whose work strengthens communities, creates opportunities and helps make Rochdale a more inclusive borough. As planning begins for 2027, the awards remain an important celebration of the people whose efforts make a lasting difference to the lives of others across Rochdale.