Winners 2022 #LoveSouthTyneside Award winners
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 on Thursday 14 July 2022.
Supporting others
This category celebrates special people who volunteer their time to support others, particularly in their time of need.
Winner - Joe Mackintosh
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
This category recognises those who volunteer their time to improve South Tyneside places and those who inspire others to get involved.
Winner - John Stewart
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
This category recognises those who bring something extra special to their day job.
Winner - Rebecca Higgins
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
This category recognises individuals, organisations or businesses that work at neighbourhood level to improve a particular area.
Winner - Hedworthfield Community Association
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
This category celebrates those who share their talent or teach new skills to others, whether that be through sport or art, music or culture.
Winner - Monkton Gymnastics Club
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
This special award celebrates those with big hearts who have laid foundations that have seen organisations grow, support and inspire.
Winner - Malcolm Osbourne
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
This award recognises those who work together as a whole to make a difference and make South Tyneside a better place.
Winner - Bede Helping Hands Food Bank
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
An award winner as chosen by the people of South Tyneside due to receiving the most nominations received.
Winner - The People's Angels
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
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.
Winner - Natalie Lascelles
Natalie is the driving force behind 'RosieFest' music festival which is now in its 10th year and raises funds for charities across the Borough and awareness of mental health issues.
Judges' Special Award
This award is chosen from among all the nominees and presented by The Mayor.
Winner - Margaret Gregg
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.