“This prestigious National Honour recognises outstanding voluntary contributions and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged to be of the highest standard.”

We are thrilled by the award. It is really appreciated by the volunteer team; most of whom are ex-users of the group and many have been volunteering for over 10 years. Icebreakers has changed with the times, but its core values and ethics have remained steadfast. This, and the increasing demand for its services, is probably the main reason for its continued success.”

“We often make significant changes to people’s lives and that’s what keeps the whole team motivated and strong.” he added.

Manchester City Councillor Paul Fairweather commented “In my capacity as Lead Member for Gay Men’s Issues within the Council I am in contact with a wide range of LGBT groups in the city and know that the work of Icebreakers is held in high regard by all of them; the volunteers are extremely dedicated and professional in their approach to their work. Most of the gay men I know in Manchester know someone who has attended Icebreakers when they were coming out and that the support and encouragement they received made a crucial difference to them.”

Trevor Burchick MBE, Director of Manchester-based Pride Sports, the LGBT sports development company, said “I have been a regular guest speaker at Icebreakers gatherings and have witnessed first-hand the impact this great service has on men struggling to come to terms with their sexuality in what is often still a very homophobic world.I know many of the lucky people that have been supported by Icebreakers and how much it has meant to them.By helping to build a healthy, caring community and reduce social exclusion, Icebreakers’ volunteers have not only earned a reputation for trust and respect but have also made a unique contribution to the local LGBT community through the most important years of its history.”