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

The annual awards, now in their sixth year, recognise and celebrate civic pride and community spirit across the Borough, with more than 270 nominations received from members of the public.

Awards and prizes were handed out to winners across ten categories in a humbling awards ceremony held at The Customs House last night (Tuesday 18 July).

All nominees also received certificates, a special #LST pin badge and a personal letter from the Mayor of South Tyneside, 兔子先生lor John McCabe thanking them for their efforts to make the Borough a better place.

The Mayor said: "It was fantastic to see all these amazing nominees and award winners being rightly recognised for the incredible work they have been doing in their communities.

"The #LoveSouthTyneside Awards showcase individuals, organisations and groups that support others without expecting any recognition at all, while highlighting the amazing community spirit that exists in our Borough.

"The standard of entries has been incredibly high, making for some difficult decisions to be made in selecting the winners.

"I'd like to congratulate and thank our outstanding winners on their awards. They have made, and continue to make, a positive difference in our communities and this awards ceremony was a chance to shine.

"Though the event was about recognising the winners, everyone in attendance, every organisation and individual, was a winner. They are a real inspiration to us all."

The 2023 #Love South Tyneside Award winners are:

兔子先生ing Others - Bede's Helping Hands

This category celebrates special people who volunteer their time to support others, particularly in their time of need. Tracey Beaton, Founder, leads the team of volunteers at Bede's Helping Hands, constantly working to keep up with demand in the Jarrow area and beyond.

Environment - Hebburn Litter Pickers

This category recognises those who volunteer their time to improve the environment in South Tyneside, from litter picks to planting, to protection of wildlife as well as those who inspire others to get involved. Hebburn Litter Pickers encourage whole families to get involved, removing litter no matter the weather.

Above and Beyond - Bev Cook.

This category recognises those who bring something extra special to their 'day job' that is recognised and valued by customers or colleagues. Bev is a familiar face to many volunteers in South Tyneside - her sheer enthusiasm inspires others to get involved and continue to do what they're doing to support others. Charlotte Harrison, of Inspire, collected the award on behalf of Bev.

Communities Helping Communities - Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign

This category recognises individuals, organisations or businesses that work at a neighbourhood level to improve opportunities for people in a particular geographical area. The Save South Tyneside Hospital campaign is led by Roger and Maddy Nettleship, who have been recognised for their work to amplify the voice of the people of South Tyneside and Sunderland on the need for vital NHS Services. 

Team of the Year - Arts4Wellbeing

This award recognises those teams who work together as a whole to make a difference and make South Tyneside a better place. The team at Arts4Wellbeing are recognised for the events they put on all year-round, including days out for members with a range of needs.

Inspiring Talent - Eddie Hope

This category celebrates those who voluntarily share their talent or teach new skills to others through sport, art, music or culture. Eddie has spent almost three years of his spare time training and coaching 17 young females footballers who went on to win their league and quarter finals.

Heart of the Community - Jordan Trotter

This special award celebrates those with big hearts who have laid foundations or led initiatives that have seen community organisations grow and flourish. Jordan set up a South Shields-based group for men to walk and talk to support with mental health.

People's Choice - Waves

This award is chosen by the people of South Tyneside through a count of nominations in single or multiple categories. Waves supports families of children with complex needs.

#LoveSouthTyneside - Suzanne Jackson

This category celebrates people from any walk of life who works tirelessly to create opportunities, events and activities that inspire, involve and include people from right across the Borough of South Tyneside. For the last 13 years, Suzanne, founder of WAVES, has been involved in voluntary work supporting families who have a child with disabilities or additional needs, all while having her own caring responsibilities with family and working full-time in Probation. The award was collected by Helen Wallace in Suzanne's absence.

Judges' Special Award - Samantha Robson

Judges added this special additional award to recognise one of the nominees whose action didn't fit into any of the categories. Samantha Robson was honoured due to her quick-thinking at the recent P!NK concert where a lady was in distress. Samantha, an off-duty nurse, performed CPR, saving the lady's life.

Tom Nightingale, Equinor North-East Stakeholder Manager, said: "Congratulations to all of the winners of the #LoveSouthTyneside Awards! It is truly inspiring to see the exceptional talent and dedication within this community.

"Equinor is proud to be part of South Tyneside, and our Dogger Bank Wind Farm operations and maintenance base here is a testament to the fantastic opportunities this area provides. Together we can continue to create a bright future for South Tyneside and the wider region. Well done once again!"

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