Stockton Man Gets Point Of Light Award
Stockton musician and community activist Mike McGrother has been recognised by the Prime Minister for his dedication.
The Wildcats of Kilkenny frontman has been awarded the Point of Light award by David Cameron for setting up a number of key projects to help young people in his hometown.
The award recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.
Mike said:
“Stockton-on-Tees is becoming renowned for its community spirit and I am just a small cog within a fantastic mechanism of people and ideas."
"I do what I do because I love my borough and the people in it. I feel humbled and honoured to receive this award and hope it helps others to step forward to get involved with confidence and positivity so that our community can continue to thrive and flourish for generations to come.”
The 46-year-old founded social enterprise Matty's Bistro along with local chef Matty Brown.
The programme helps young people who are not in education or employment, and trains them to become chefs or waiting staff, with 60% going on to further employment or apprenticeships.
Mike also launched the 'One Red Sunflower' project which aimed to raise awareness about mental health, alcohol addiction and substance misuse in the area and played a vital part in the 'Loudest Whisper' campaign to promote 'the real Stockton' after Benefit Street came to town.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Mike has truly dedicated his life to building a stronger, more inclusive society in Stockton-on-Tees."
"He has created too many projects to list them all but Matty’s Bistro is one initiative of which he should be particularly proud."
"Offering young people the opportunity to learn real skills and showcase them to gain permanent employment has directly changed the lives of many of the young people Mike has worked with."