Gateshead's community heroes celebrated
Photo - Hunger Hangout, winner of the Business in the Community award
Community heroes from across Gateshead have been recognised at the annual Gateshead Awards.
Due to the ongoing pandemic the awards were cancelled in 2020 but Gateshead Council, in partnership with Gateshead Regeneration Partnership, Go North East, HY Hubs, Metrocentre, Northgate Vehicle Hire and Tarmac, were very proud to reinstate the event for 2021 with the first virtual awards ceremony.
Find out more about Gateshead Awards
The ongoing pandemic has seen many acts of generosity and Dunston Help for Families, Voluntary Organisation of the Year, was recognised for the support they have given to local people really struggling. Alongside this the Hunger Hangout, a new cafe at the start of the pandemic, was awarded the Business in the Community Award for working with Dunston Help for Families and giving free meals to those most in need.
Victoria Crawford, whose business had to close during lockdown, received Volunteer of the Year, having taken on various roles to support the local community and Jack Wilkinson, aged 9, was awarded Young Achiever of the Year for walking a million steps in a month, during the pandemic, to help raise money for a power assisted device which turns into an electric trike for a little boy called Freddie who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
In the sports categories Leam Rangers Football Club received Sports Club of the Year, for the great environment they provide for grassroots football and the support they have given to young people during the pandemic, and Mary Butler was awarded the Maureen Chaplin Sports Achiever of the Year having been picked for Durham Ladies after 6 years with Ryton Cricket Club, aged 15.
Owen Turnbull, who tirelessly cared for his wife who suffered from dementia, took part in the Hen Power project and visited care homes to teach people about reducing social isolation received the Carer of the Year Award. Also in recognition of those providing care for others the Gateshead Care Home Choir won Music Group of the Year. The choir comprises of 75 care staff and older people with dementia and they met regularly with professional musicians to rehearse well known songs, compose news ones based on their experiences and to explore their creativity.
Gateshead has an excellent reputation for the support given to people serving in the armed forces, their families and veterans and Val Hempsey was awarded Armed Forces Community Achiever having pioneered the data gathering of information on ex-service personnel living within Gateshead. Val's dedication has improved the welfare of many veterans in the borough.
Two people received the Lifetime Achievement Awards, a category dedicated to those who have served their community for at least 20 years, David Stokes and Janet Walton. David has been a scout volunteer for over 30 years, helping to shape the lives of many young people and Janet has dedicated over 20 years helping to ensure the Winlaton Community Centre is a welcoming busy centre that supports the local community, including becoming one of the community hubs during the pandemic.
Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Dot Burnett, said "The Gateshead Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise people across the borough who go out of their way to help others and to support their community. I have great admiration for all of our nominees and would like to congratulate our winners
"The last year and a half has shown, more than ever, what can be achieved if we pull together and I'm very proud that we are once again able to host these awards to celebrate all those who go the extra mile to help others."
Photo - Hunger Hangout, winner of the Business in the Community award
Community heroes from across Gateshead have been recognised at the annual Gateshead Awards.
Due to the ongoing pandemic the awards were cancelled in 2020 but Gateshead Council, in partnership with Gateshead Regeneration Partnership, Go North East, HY Hubs, Metrocentre, Northgate Vehicle Hire and Tarmac, were very proud to reinstate the event for 2021 with the first virtual awards ceremony.
Find out more about Gateshead Awards
The ongoing pandemic has seen many acts of generosity and Dunston Help for Families, Voluntary Organisation of the Year, was recognised for the support they have given to local people really struggling. Alongside this the Hunger Hangout, a new cafe at the start of the pandemic, was awarded the Business in the Community Award for working with Dunston Help for Families and giving free meals to those most in need.
Victoria Crawford, whose business had to close during lockdown, received Volunteer of the Year, having taken on various roles to support the local community and Jack Wilkinson, aged 9, was awarded Young Achiever of the Year for walking a million steps in a month, during the pandemic, to help raise money for a power assisted device which turns into an electric trike for a little boy called Freddie who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
In the sports categories Leam Rangers Football Club received Sports Club of the Year, for the great environment they provide for grassroots football and the support they have given to young people during the pandemic, and Mary Butler was awarded the Maureen Chaplin Sports Achiever of the Year having been picked for Durham Ladies after 6 years with Ryton Cricket Club, aged 15.
Owen Turnbull, who tirelessly cared for his wife who suffered from dementia, took part in the Hen Power project and visited care homes to teach people about reducing social isolation received the Carer of the Year Award. Also in recognition of those providing care for others the Gateshead Care Home Choir won Music Group of the Year. The choir comprises of 75 care staff and older people with dementia and they met regularly with professional musicians to rehearse well known songs, compose news ones based on their experiences and to explore their creativity.
Gateshead has an excellent reputation for the support given to people serving in the armed forces, their families and veterans and Val Hempsey was awarded Armed Forces Community Achiever having pioneered the data gathering of information on ex-service personnel living within Gateshead. Val's dedication has improved the welfare of many veterans in the borough.
Two people received the Lifetime Achievement Awards, a category dedicated to those who have served their community for at least 20 years, David Stokes and Janet Walton. David has been a scout volunteer for over 30 years, helping to shape the lives of many young people and Janet has dedicated over 20 years helping to ensure the Winlaton Community Centre is a welcoming busy centre that supports the local community, including becoming one of the community hubs during the pandemic.
Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Dot Burnett, said "The Gateshead Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise people across the borough who go out of their way to help others and to support their community. I have great admiration for all of our nominees and would like to congratulate our winners
"The last year and a half has shown, more than ever, what can be achieved if we pull together and I'm very proud that we are once again able to host these awards to celebrate all those who go the extra mile to help others."
