#Love South Tyneside 2022 Award Winners Revealed

From inspiring individuals to community volunteers, unsung local heroes are celebrating after being honoured with a special #LoveSouthTyneside Award.

The annual #LoveSouthTyneside Awards recognise and celebrate civic pride and community spirit across the Borough.

Awards were handed out to winners across ten categories in a glittering awards ceremony, which was held at The Customs House last night (Thursday 14 July).

Nominees also received certificates as well as a personal letter from the Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Pat Hay, thanking them as first citizen for their efforts to make the Borough a better place.

The Mayor said: "It was wonderful to see all these amazing award winners and nominees rightfully recognised for their fantastic community spirit.

"The awards pay tribute to all those people who have made, and continue to make, such a positive difference in our communities and go the extra mile to make South Tyneside such a fantastic place. It could be anything that helps to enrich the lives of our residents -from a small act of kindness to volunteering to help others.

"Since launching in 2019, the #LoveSouthTyneside Awards have gone from strength to strength celebrating the unsung heroes in our communities with more than 100 nominations received this year alone.

"And once again, the standard of entries has been incredibly high, forcing the judging panel to make some very difficult decisions.

"It was particularly lovely to showcase all the winners and nominees at the Borough's first ever live #LoveSouthTyneside Awards ceremony at The Customs House, having held a virtual tribute last year.

"This was their special evening. Congratulations to them all. They are a real credit and inspiration to our communities. A special thanks must also go to all those who took the time to nominate their local heroes and ensuring that they get the spotlight they deserve."

The 2022 #LoveSouthTyneside Award winners are:

Supporting Others - Joe Mackintosh

This category celebrates special people who volunteer their time to support others, particularly in their time of need. Joe, aged 11, set up a sweet shop outside his home, raising more than £200 for medical equipment and supplies to be taken to Ukraine.

Environment - John Stewart

This category recognises those who volunteer their time to improve South Tyneside places and those who inspire others to get involved.As Chair of the Friends of Hebburn Cemetery, John, alongside his fellow volunteers, works tirelessly to improve the area for those visiting the graves of loved ones. The group was also awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2021.

Above and Beyond - Rebecca Higgins

This category recognises those who bring something extra special to their day job. Rebecca was chosen for her support for the East Boldon community through her role as a school governor, undertaking fundraising initiatives, organising events and leading the Friends of East Boldon parks.

Communities Helping Communities - Hedworthfield Community Association

This category recognises individuals, organisations or businesses that work at neighbourhood level to improve a particular area. Hedworthfield CA offers opportunities for people of all ages and proved to be a real lifeline during the Covid pandemic. It is at the heart of the Fellgate and Hedworth area but has reached out to support other communities including Whiteleas, Primrose, Monkton and West Park.

Inspiring Talent - Monkton Gymnastics Club

This category celebrates those who share their talent or teach new skills to others, whether that be through sport or art, music or culture. The family-run gymnastics club continues to achieve, going from strength to strength and supports children with hearing loss and other sensory impairments and special educational needs.

Heart of the Community - Malcolm Osbourne

This special award celebrates those with big hearts who have laid foundations that have seen organisations grow, support and inspire. As founder of KAYAKs, Malcolm has devoted 12 years to building a charity and using his knowledge, determination and understanding to support children, young people and adults with special needs and disabilities.

Team of the Year - Bede Helping Hands Food Bank

This award recognises those who work together as a whole to make a difference and make South Tyneside a better place. Though only operating for a short amount of time, the volunteers at Bede Helping Hands have created a hub for the community. More than just a food bank, they support each other to be the best they can be in helping others.

People's Choice Award - The People's Angels

An award winner as chosen by the people of South Tyneside due to receiving the most nominations received. The People's Angels is a group of selfless volunteers who work with local authorities to ensure support goes to those who need it, including individuals, groups, vulnerable people and more.

#LoveSouthTyneside Award - Natalie Lascelles

This category celebrates passionate people who work tirelessly to create opportunities, events and activities that inspire, promote pride in their area and involve people from all walks of life. Natalie is the driving force behind 'RosieFest' music festival which is now in its 10^th year and raises funds for charities across the Borough and awareness of mental health issues.

Judges' Special Award - Margaret Gregg

This award is chosen from among all the nominees and presented by The Mayor. Margaret volunteers every day, taking calls at all hours to provide both practical and emotional support to people who arrive in South Tyneside with very little, including asylum seekers and more recently refugees from Ukraine. Margaret received a British Empire Medal as part of the Her Majesty The Queen's New Year's Honours List.

The #LoveSouthTyneside Awards are in their third year with local people encouraged to nominate any organisation, group or individual, who has gone above and beyond for their community.

The 2022 #LoveSouthTyneside Awards were delivered by South Tyneside Council in partnership with The Customs House and support from Red Sky Foundation.

For further information about the #LoveSouthTyneside initiative visit www.lovesouthtyneside.co.uk