Community hero hailed for making a difference

A MAN who plays a key role at a Fitton Hill community cafe and family project has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award.

Tim Royales works at the Eden Project in Fircroft Road, part of a network of centres across the country supported by the Message Trust, a Christian charity which helps young people in deprived areas, and the Salvation Army.

Tim helped to set up a health centre there which was at first aimed mainly at young people but has since developed with further services for families and younger children. It includes a youth club, football, baking activities and trips. Activities over the summer included taking 20 youngsters on a residential trip to a holiday camp.

Tim said: “A lot of good activities are taking place at the Eden Project. A community cafe - The Brew - is one of the latest developments.

“We have a great team of volunteers who help and the Eden Project is part of a bigger network. In Oldham, there is another Eden Project based in Limeside. It’s nice to be nominated for a Pride award but everyone involved here should share the credit. We have developed a great team of volunteers and we also get good help from other organisations.”

Tim was nominated by Nikki Quigg and Colin Cockroft, community development and safety officers at Oldham Council, along with PCSO Sharon Quigley.

Nikki said: “Tim is an absolute credit to the community — not only for the work he does at the Eden Project but for all the extra things he does because he cares. He is passionate about Fitton Hill, where he lives and works, and is committed to making a difference to the lives of young people.”