Ann-marie has talent to spot talent
Reporter: Pride in Oldham by MARINA BERRY
Date published: 10 September 2008
Photo: Picture ANTHONY MILLER
Ann-Marie Diallo . . . “Everyone has a quality”
A GROUP of people who have found a new lease of life through volunteering have paid their own special tribute to the woman who made it possible.
Ann-Marie Diallo works with people who have mental-health problems, learning disabilities or special needs.
Her aim is to find out what they are good at and encourage them to take advantage of their talent.
The 52-year-old mother of two grown-up children said: “Everyone has a quality.
“It’s just a case of finding that quality and sharing it.”
Ann-Marie has worked at Chadderton Court, a resource centre in Middleton Road, Chadderton, since it opened in 2007.
Her title is social inclusion development worker, which means she helps people to develop their skills to become volunteers in the community, giving their confidence a welcome boost.
A spin-off from her work is that 10 of the people she has worked with have found paid employment over the past year. And she sees her job as providing a stepping stone for people to become more involved in the community, steering them towards achievements such as training for first aid, food- hygiene certificates, counselling and IT.
She was nominated for a Pride in Oldham award by some of the people she has helped along the way.
Toni Goodhew, speaking on their behalf, said Ann-Marie deserved recognition for her excellent and remarkable work.
A surprised Ann-Marie, who has just been named as employee of the year by Oldham Council, said: “It’s wonderful news, and totally unexpected.”
To nominate someone for a Pride in Oldham award, tell us:
The name of the person or group nominated
A contact number for them, if known
Their job title and place of work, if relevant
Your reason for the nomination
Your name
Your contact number
Send your info by email to editorial@oldham-chronicle.co.uk, marked “Pride in Oldham Awards, 2008
Pride in Oldham is supported by:
Innovative Technology
J W Lees Brewery
Molnlycke Health Care
Northern Counties Housing Association
Oldham Council
University Centre Oldham
Warburtons
