The mayor celebrated volunteers and community workers at one of the leading grassroots groups in Brighton and Hove and sang their praises.
Councillor Amanda Grimshaw, the mayor of Brighton and Hove, also heard that years of fundraising and hard work meant that the Hangleton and Knoll Project could finally open a dedicated youth centre.
The building, in Knoll Park, will be known as the Weller Youth Centre, in honour of the project’s founder and long-serving chair Patricia Weller and her late husband David.
The project, which has set up more than 40 years ago and continues to support a range of community groups in the area, is also extending its reach to Portslade in partnership with Portslade Together and housing association Clarion.
The mayor, who represents Hangleton and Knoll on Brighton and Hove City Council, praised the fantastic work of so many people at the project.
And she said that the occasion was extra special for being in her ward, at St Richard’s Church Hall, where she was joined by fellow ward councillors Faiza Baghoth and John Hewitt.
The event – the project’s annual general meeting (AGM) opened with a group of youngsters putting on a street dance performance – the project worked with 500 children and young people last year and 3,000 adults.
The mayor presented a series of awards, including the Volunteer of Year Award to Gloria Ayuba, and said: “Gloria has been an integral part of the Hangleton and Knoll Project for over five years, making a remarkable contribution.
“Her creative energy and knowledge of nutrition have brought to life a series of community workshops covering essential topics such as gut health, fermentation and the powerful connection between food and mood.
“She has also played a key role in supporting our health events where she engages the community with her vibrant approach to sharing knowledge about delicious nutritious eating.
“Gloria’s passion for sourcing, preparing and enjoying wholesome food shines through in everything she does. Her workshops are lively and informative and her infectious enthusiasm makes learning accessible, inclusive and fun for everyone.
“In addition to her hands-on involvement, Gloria also dedicates her time and expertise as a trustee of the Hangleton and Knoll Project.
“Joyful, generous, and deeply committed, Gloria is a real asset to our community. Her volunteer work exemplifies true service and she absolutely deserves recognition for all that she gives. Her insights and support are deeply valued by everyone involved.”
The meeting on Wednesday (26 November) – a celebration as much as an AGM – also heard about a group of volunteers who were leading a men’s wellbeing group.
