Gateshead Awards
The Gateshead Awards - presented annually by the Mayor of Gateshead - celebrate all those who, in whatever way, have made a real difference to the lives of others in the borough.
Award winners 2025
Business in the Community Award - sponsored by Metrocentre
Age UK, Gen Exercise - run an inspirational range of activities and groups, to inspire fitness and community spirit for a variety of ages and abilities. Indoor Walking, Fitsteps and Chair Fitsteps are just a few on offer - and usually include tea, cake and a chat as part of the routine. Claire Hall heads a fabulous team of instructors and despite having battled her way through serious illness over the last year, never gave up on driving forward this project.
Carer of the Year
Michelle Anderson - is a carer for her two autistic daughters one of whom also has complex epilepsy and autism. Despite suffering with ill health herself including recently recovering from stomach cancer and also having a brain tumour, Michelle always tries her best even when she's having a bad day herself. Having lost her own mother to cancer seven years ago Michelle also takes the time each day to check on her mum's lifelong friend who suffers with dementia.
Lifetime Achievement Awards (4 recipients)
Joanne White - previously known as Jo Milne had her story shared by the world media when YouTube showed her hearing implants being switched on for the first time. The clip was viewed more than 12 million people, placing Gateshead firmly on the map. Jo has been an ambassador for deaf children and has led numerous campaigns not only within our local communities but also nationally - making her a true inspiration to everyone.
Bill Purvis - is a respected school governor ad Winlaton West Primary School and Parkhead Primary Schools, in the west of the Borough. Bill was influential in turning Winlaton West Primary School around from an under performing establishment, to one of the most forward thinking schools within the west of Gateshead.
Norma Bolton - is the heart of Kibblesworth village, leading a fabulous team of volunteers to run a wonderful community centre for everyone to enjoy. There are so many special events for the local community to enjoy, and that's mostly down to Norma, providing a lifeline to the people of the village.
Barbara Heslop - one of the many popular faces at Chopwell Community Centre. Dedicating her time to all of the events that are held within the community centre, she's improved the mental health and isolation of people in the local area making sure that everyone feels welcome. Barbara also runs a drama group, helping to write stories and plays.
Music Group/Musician of the Year - sponsored by Northgate Vehicle Hire
Caedmon Choir - have had a busy year, performing, supporting charity events, staging workshops and raising money for charities, raising around £1,000 for the Comfrey Project's charity. Choir members also donated a large number of Christmas gifts to the children supported by the Peace of Mind charity. The choir continues to grow and currently boasts 80 members, led by choir director Eleanor Mooney who is now well into her second decade leading the choir.
Sports Club of the Year - sponsored by Gateshead FC
Pelaw Bowling Club - The club has made amazing strides since acquiring the site via asset transfer prior to the pandemic. They have made major improvements, revitalising the pavilion site and have developed a series of activities for residents in the local area attracting a greater number of people than ever before. The club have created an environmental classroom for local school children and have established a bowling competition for local primary schools. They have created a warm space and weekly tai chi and support some of our most vulnerable residents. Their work continues to grow and see their role in revitalising Bill Quay Park so that it has facilities to enable people to enjoy the park and to increase footfall.
Tackling Climate Change - sponsored by Gateshead College
Gateshead West Uniform Scheme - the scheme estimates to have saved two tons of uniform from going to landfill. It enables people to buy uniform on a pay as you feel basis helping those who struggle to afford buying new, as school logo uniform donations are taken and redistributed to children in Gateshead. Donations of coats, wellies, football boots and fancy dress are also offered. They have also diversified their offer by using Vinted to sell surplus stock with the income raised helping towards their rent.
Voluntary/Charitable Organisation of the Year
NE Youth - makes a positive difference to the lives of young people running sessions in the community as well as well as projects aimed at building skills, such as employability, life skills, first aid, leadership and communication. In the last year they have also launched two new sessions, including the Barmoor Inclusive Hub for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities. They also provide support, advice, funding and signposting to 185 member organisations.
Volunteer of the Year - sponsored by Crossling Plumbers
Irene Simm - has volunteered for FACT (Fighting Against Cancer Together) for the last five years and raised over £5,000 in the last year. In addition, she also supports Embells and Hebburn Helps charities and has even converted her home garage for use as a drop off centre for charity donations. She is a valued member of the Gateshead community with her charitable work attending school fetes running raffles and tombolas to generate funds for the charities. She has supported many vulnerable neighbours and friends with addiction and life-threatening illnesses.
Young Achiever of the Year
Maya Baggaley - a young carer to her younger sister who has Down Syndrome, learning Makaton to communicate and develop her sister's speech and signing. She also regularly helps at Gateshead West Uniform Scheme market helping with repairs and volunteers with Down Syndrome North East, where she looks after fundraising at family events and is a regular at the monthly playgroup session. Maya is a volunteer coach at her local gymnastics group and she also runs her own sewing business, which she uses to fundraise for charities, all whilst studying for her GCSEs.
Armed Forces in the Community - sponsored by Komatsu
Gateshead Armed Forces Veterans Association - set up following the closure of the Gateshead Royal British Legion Branch in 2013, the Gateshead Armed Forces Veterans Association and members of the group have supported Gateshead Council in each military event held, offering support, guidance and expertise in the military field. This work is done in their own time and they volunteer to support the council, in all weathers and in force. They arrange the attendance of the Standard Bearers from each military unit so that events such as Remembrance Sunday are a fitting tribute to those being remembered.
Congratulations to all of the winners!
All winners were presented with their awards at our ceremony on Wednesday 25 June 2025.
Find out more about the nominees in each category
For further information please email the Civic Officer and Mayor's secretary at mayorsoffice@gateshead.gov.uk or phone 0191 433 2011.
