Ponteland Alma Dunigan recognised as local community champion!
Ponteland resident Alma Dunigan has been recognised for almost two decades of hard work in the community; more recently as Chairman of the Ponteland Community Partnership.
Alma led the organisation as Chair, delivering a number of important projects in the town, including a number of improvements to the bridleway and wildlife corridor, restoration of the old railway path and the reintroduction of wild flowers and tree planting. This was complemented by the creation of 5 educational information pedestals showing Ponteland’s social history - station and rail workers, ICI explosive depot, Prestwick pit and the miners. At a later stage ‘step counts’ were added to each pedestal as part of an aid to general health and part of a health recovery programme linked to the Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy between Northumberland Council and NHS Clinical Commissioning Group. This was supported by a 6 month pilot scheme, Healthy Lifestyle Initiative a drop in facility.
The Partnership has now closed after 18 years, with the organisation delivering a final project in the form of a legacy for ‘Physical & Mental Wellbeing Youth Project’ to help young people in Ponteland by funding schools and youth organisations to deliver extracurricular activities to as many young people for years to come.
Alma has now been recognised for her hard work through local MP Guy Opperman’s Community Champion scheme.
Alma Dunigan said; “Thank you for this nomination and award - I very much appreciate the recognition of local voluntary work. It should be said that without the support from former committees and their members, other organisations, funders and community supporters and volunteers – nothing would have been possible. I just put the pieces of the jigsaw together
Projects over the past 6 years were all about engaging with the community young and old to benefit the natural environment, individual wellbeing and to give pride in our local area. The last project earlier this year, Physical & Mental Wellbeing Youth Project was directed at our youth’s future wellbeing. Funds were given to other organisations, teachers and volunteers who had the ability to arrange extracurricular youth activities to support young people’s personal development - so far it has benefited over 2,000 young people this year and will continue to support our youth into the future.”
MP Guy Opperman said; “The Ponteland Community Partnership will leave a positive legacy for many years to come. I would like to thank all those who volunteered their time and skills to support the many great community projects. As the partnership comes to a close, I wanted to recognise Alma’s hard work as Chair over many years through a Community Champion award. Well done Alma!”