Worsley man with autism wins award for cleaning up his local parks

A Worsley man with autism has won a community award for his dedication to clearing up two of his favourite parks.

Andrew Grant Salmon was given a silver award in the Volunteer of the Year category of The Progress Housing Group’s Community Champion Awards.

The awards, held over Zoom, celebrated the achievements of volunteers who have dedicated their time to supporting their local neighbourhood over the past year.

Judges from the social housing provider, which is based in Lancashire, selected 24 well-deserved champions who won One4all shopping vouchers of up to £200.

With the aim of having a positive impact, supporting independence and creating opportunities, Progress Housing Group was particularly thrilled to award tenants who live in supported housing schemes.

Andrew was nominated by his support worker Angela Hart.

She said: “Andrew does a lot of volunteering twice a week. He goes to Blackleach Country Park and Parr Fold Park with a support worker and helps to clean up the park, litter pick, pull out weeds and cut trees down safely.

“He chats to people and has made new friends by going there weekly. He would really appreciate this award as he works really hard every time he is there.”

On winning, the 30-year-old said: “I am really pleased with my voucher. I am going to use it to buy a chair so I can sit at my computer.”