Gateshead Awards Community Heroes
Inspirational community champions who go above and beyond to help others in Gateshead to thrive have been recognised at the annual Gateshead Awards.
The awards organised by Gateshead Council, in partnership with Gateshead College, Gateshead Football Club, Komatsu UK, the Metrocentre and Northgate Vehicle Hire, recognise the dedication of people across the borough who make a difference within their local communities.
Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Eileen McMaster, said
"It has been a very challenging year for people in different ways and yet we have incredible individuals and organisations who continue to do great things for local communities across the borough and I hope we can all use this as inspiration to think of how we can all make a difference to others. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for an award."
Leading the way was an organisation that has provided crucial support throughout the ongoing cost of living crisis with the Voluntary Organisation of the Year, Feeding Families, having provided almost 20,000 emergency food boxes to local charities, schools and other organisations. Other organisations recognised at the awards were Digital Voice, who received the Business in the Community Award for giving a voice to people who are digitally excluded, Ryton Singers, the Music Group of the Year, a choir which encourages everyone to come together and Ryton Amateur Boxing Club, who won Sports Club of the Year having restarted in 2022 following the pandemic.
Many young people continue to make a significant difference to the communities in which they live and this was also recognised by the awards. Young Achiever of the Year was awarded to Katie Gibson, coach with Gateshead Footystars and Olliver Lenton who received the Maureen Chaplin Sports Achiever of the Year having dedicated his time to his gymnastics and being selected to compete in TeamGym British qualification.
The Tackling Climate Change award, a new category for 2023, was awarded to Lanchester Wines who have led the way in pioneering heat pump technology which has enabled Gateshead Council to establish the largest mine water heat pump project in the UK. The importance of the environment was also reflected by the Volunteer of the Year, won by Eileen Bell, founder of the Wardley Wombles which not only helps to keep the local area tidy but has brought the community together to provide friendship and support.
Two awards were also given to individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping other based on their own personal circumstances. Victoria Wales, recipient of the Armed Forces Achiever of the Year, has used her own experiences to help others, working for Walking with the Wounded, taking part in the Invictus Games and sharing her story of perseverance through adversity. Eilleen Brunton was recognised as Carer of the Year for caring for multiple family members, at times with no respite care, and still always looking for an opportunity to help others.
Three individuals, with around 100 years of commitment to the borough were also commended with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Joan Alexanders, who has dedicated her life to helping young people, Steve Donkin, who has ensured that music-making opportunities are available to everyone and Robert Boustead who has dedicated his life to grassroots football in the borough.
Inspirational community champions who go above and beyond to help others in Gateshead to thrive have been recognised at the annual Gateshead Awards.
The awards organised by Gateshead Council, in partnership with Gateshead College, Gateshead Football Club, Komatsu UK, the Metrocentre and Northgate Vehicle Hire, recognise the dedication of people across the borough who make a difference within their local communities.
Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Eileen McMaster, said
"It has been a very challenging year for people in different ways and yet we have incredible individuals and organisations who continue to do great things for local communities across the borough and I hope we can all use this as inspiration to think of how we can all make a difference to others. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for an award."
Leading the way was an organisation that has provided crucial support throughout the ongoing cost of living crisis with the Voluntary Organisation of the Year, Feeding Families, having provided almost 20,000 emergency food boxes to local charities, schools and other organisations. Other organisations recognised at the awards were Digital Voice, who received the Business in the Community Award for giving a voice to people who are digitally excluded, Ryton Singers, the Music Group of the Year, a choir which encourages everyone to come together and Ryton Amateur Boxing Club, who won Sports Club of the Year having restarted in 2022 following the pandemic.
Many young people continue to make a significant difference to the communities in which they live and this was also recognised by the awards. Young Achiever of the Year was awarded to Katie Gibson, coach with Gateshead Footystars and Olliver Lenton who received the Maureen Chaplin Sports Achiever of the Year having dedicated his time to his gymnastics and being selected to compete in TeamGym British qualification.
The Tackling Climate Change award, a new category for 2023, was awarded to Lanchester Wines who have led the way in pioneering heat pump technology which has enabled Gateshead Council to establish the largest mine water heat pump project in the UK. The importance of the environment was also reflected by the Volunteer of the Year, won by Eileen Bell, founder of the Wardley Wombles which not only helps to keep the local area tidy but has brought the community together to provide friendship and support.
Two awards were also given to individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping other based on their own personal circumstances. Victoria Wales, recipient of the Armed Forces Achiever of the Year, has used her own experiences to help others, working for Walking with the Wounded, taking part in the Invictus Games and sharing her story of perseverance through adversity. Eilleen Brunton was recognised as Carer of the Year for caring for multiple family members, at times with no respite care, and still always looking for an opportunity to help others.
Three individuals, with around 100 years of commitment to the borough were also commended with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Joan Alexanders, who has dedicated her life to helping young people, Steve Donkin, who has ensured that music-making opportunities are available to everyone and Robert Boustead who has dedicated his life to grassroots football in the borough.