Make a Difference – a project that inspires young people in Milton Keynes to better their lives and those around them through positive action and volunteering is the latest winner of the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award.

The community interest company has engaged over 3000 young people in five years and secured over £1 million in funding for numerous projects.

Successes include the regeneration of the former Bus Station – the Buszy – in Central Milton Keynes, now regarded as the city’s premiere youth and community hub.

They have also worked to improve youth offending services, set up a youth volunteer led disabled youth club and helped improve local sports, arts and heritage services for the community.

The Prime Minister said on the award win: “Congratulations to everyone at Make a Difference for the work you do to change people’s lives. It is projects like yours that inspire me and make me more determined than ever to deliver the Big Society.

"I passionately believe that we need a stronger society where people volunteer more, give more and take more control of their lives – taking the lead to improve local services. Make a Difference is a great example of the creativity and innovation we have in this country that can deliver a better Britain.”

Denise Davis-Boreham, CEO of Make a Difference said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this Award. It’s an honour not only for the organisation and staff but for all our young volunteers and the young people who benefit from our services.

"This Award demonstrates that young people can make a real difference and a positive contribution to the Big Society. This is a challenging yet exciting time for Make a Difference as we embark on new social enterprise activities at the Buszy and work towards sustainability.”

More information on Make a Difference can be found here

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