This is the fourth year Stockton Council’s Civic Awards have been held to recognise the tireless work local people and organisations have done to make a real and positive difference to their communities.
The Mayor, Councillor Barbara Inman, who presented the winners with their awards at the Council’s Annual Meeting at Billingham Forum, said: “It’s a great pleasure for me to honour these inspiring people and officially recognise their valuable contribution to Stockton Borough.
“They all set an inspiring example for us to follow with the majority generously and freely giving their time and energy to make a difference to their local communities and to the Borough as a whole.”
There were seven award categories:
The Carer/Foster Carer Award went to Angela Stackhouse from Thornaby for being an excellent foster care ambassador. Angela and her husband, John, provide a much needed loving and supportive environment to the children in their care. Angela has high expectations and has been praised for her determination to see the children aspire to be the best they can. Her work to help the children in her care remain in contact with their birth families is also acknowledged as being excellent.
David Saddington, 21 from Norton won the Green Award for his work globally, nationally and locally to tackle climate change. From a young age he has been interested in the environment, inspiring other young people at his school and sixth form to get involved. In recent years he has influenced UK government policy, established his own eco social enterprise and fronted a media campaign that reached more than three million people.
The Young Person’s Award went to Young Carers Aloud!, a group of young people who work hard to raise awareness of young carers and the issues they face with teachers, social workers and other professionals. They also campaign innovatively to make sure young carers are listened to and included in decision making about their families’ care and support. As well as their caring roles at home the young people all volunteer their time on a weekly basis to the group.
The team and volunteers behind the Shri Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Sikh Community Centre won the Service to Community Award for groups and organisations. The Centre is open to all residents and offers shelter and food to anyone in need. It provides a wide range of services to the community such as free Punjabi classes, a free kitchen service for homeless and vulnerable people and a weekend crèche to help parents and carers access the centre’s services. It also provides respite care for children and young people with complex needs.
The Health and Wellbeing Award went to two nominees – Glen Johnstone and Jean Clift.
Glen Johnstone is the lead volunteer at Our Place Stockton, an out of hours support group for adults. He has worked passionately to help people in the Borough with long term and acute mental health problems, physical and learning disabilities and those facing social exclusion. Those who attend Our Place Stockton say Glen is inspirational and has helped build their confidence and boost their wellbeing.
Jean Clift runs the Yarm Association for the Widowed which provides a place for widows to come together for support and advice. The group runs outings, coffee mornings and exercise sessions, and IT classes help widows tackle feelings of isolation through friendship. A widow herself, Jean is committed to helping those dealing with grief overcome their loneliness.
Stockton resident Joanna Wake scooped the Service to Community Award for business for her efforts to champion Stockton Borough businesses and promote Stockton Town Centre. Joanna runs RAW Digital Training, an independent business based in Digital House in Stockton Town Centre and employs four people. Through her involvement with Stockton’s Town Team, which she chaired, she has been a vociferous and positive advocate for Stockton and worked hard to engage Durham University students, bring in visitors, promote businesses and independent traders.
The Service to Community Award for Individuals went to Reverend Derek Rosamond, vicar of Saint Paul’s Church Newtown, Stockton. As well as being an active member of the Stockton Deanery and Stockton Methodist Circuit he serves the Borough as a Community Priest representing both Anglican and Methodist denominations on many boards and committees. He is actively involved with many local organisations such as ‘Bridge House’ and ‘A Way Out’ and chairs Stockton Town Pastors and the Love Stockton steering group. During the past decade Reverend Rosamond, who is due to retire later this year, has worked tirelessly to improve the wellbeing and safety of people in Stockton Borough.
If you would like to nominate an individual, group or business for next year’s Civic Awards please visit www.stockton.gov.uk/civicawards