£600 grant for Aawaz
[image: Cllr Whitehead and Cllr Haworth with Aawaz representatives at Accrington Library]
Cllr Marlene Haworth, Leader of Hyndburn Council, was recently invited to an Aawaz group meeting, to present on her own experiences and learn more about the charitable work of the organisation.
Aawaz, based in Accrington, offer essential support services to South Asian women and their families in the Hyndburn community. Cllr Haworth was invited by the group to present about her role, during a gathering at Accrington Library.
£600 from Hyndburn Council’s Leader’s budget has been granted to Aawaz to help them continue to deliver their essential community work across Hyndburn.
Cllr Haworth said:
“It was an honour to be asked to talk about my own journey to the ladies. They wanted to know more about how I became the first female leader of the council and what inspired me to get involved in politics.
“I hope just sharing a little bit about my own story has helped inspire others to know they can achieve anything, and also encouraged the group to get involved in community action and activity where possible.”
Cllr Kimberley Whitehead also attended the meeting to give an insight into her role. The group expressed their thanks for both elected members for their time, explaining how their achievements are an inspiration to the community.
Cllr Haworth continued:
“I would like to thank Cllr Whitehead for attending this wonderful event too and I know we both really appreciate all the work Aawaz do for the local community. I am proud to confirm that £600 from this year’s leaders’ budget is being granted to Aawaz to help keep their fantastic services running, which empower women.”
Members of the meeting were very interested in learning more about the roles of councillors and their various responsibilities. An invitation for a tour of the council chambers in Accrington Town Hall has been extended and Cllr Haworth is looking forward to being part of this.