Hartlepool community centre wins King's Award after 2024 riot
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 12:32 · Archive
Salaam Community Centre in Hartlepool has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service for leading the community response to the 2024 riot.
The Salaam Community Centre in Hartlepool has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service for 2026. This is the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. The centre is one of 250 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups receiving the award this year.
Following the riot in Hartlepool in 2024, the Salaam Community Centre issued a call to action for residents to unite and help repair the damage sustained in the area. Hundreds of people answered that call, volunteering their time to clean up, help put things right and support their neighbours. Leaders at the centre said the response demonstrated the kindness, pride and determination of local people.
Nancy Pout, manager of the Salaam Community Centre, said the volunteers' actions showed 'the strength of our community and the care people have for Hartlepool and for one another'. She praised how they had 'helped shape The Salaam into the thriving community centre it is today, right in the heart of Victoria Ward'.
Based at St Paul's Hall on Murray Street, the centre welcomes people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Volunteers help run and deliver its work, creating opportunities for people to find friendship, share skills, access practical support and contribute to community life.
The centre's services include running a community shop where sales of donated books and clothes help reduce the price of everyday essentials, and a free Community Food Pantry that shares surplus food with local people whilst reducing waste. Both services are open to everyone with no means test. Volunteers also welcome people through the door, help in the shop, share food and listen to those around them.
How it is being reported
- Volunteers at centre dubbed 'beacon of community integration' scoop highest Kings AwardThe Salaam Community Centre, in St Paul's Hall, in Murray Street, Hartlepool, is a 'thriving' hub welcoming people of all ages, cultures and backgroundsTeessideLive · 14 Nov, 09:01
- Volunteers who united North East town after 2024 riot receive royal honourHartlepool’s Salaam Community Centre wins 2026 King’s Award for Voluntary Service, an MBE-equivalent honour, as volunteers united residents after 2024 riot.The Northern Echo · 14 Nov, 05:09
- Hartlepool community centre that led community response after 2024 riot wins King's AwardVolunteers of a Hartlepool centre that helped lead the response to 2024’s riot have been awarded royal honour for their outstanding contribution to the area.Hartlepool Mail · 13 Nov, 17:19
In this story: Salaam Community Centre · Hartlepool · Nancy Pout · Victoria Ward · St Paul's Hall
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