In association with the Evening Chronicle

Our Good Neighbour Awards showcase the inspirational people who dedicate their time to helping others and making their communities better places to live.

This year’s Oscar-style ceremony took place on 6 October with BBC Radio Newcastle’s Kathy Secker on hand to present the prizes at the Centre for Life.

This year’s winner of the Good Neighbour of the Year Award was Heather Winder, of North Kenton, Newcastle.

Heather was nominated by her neighbour Therese Kabwe. Therese had no possessions and could barely speak English when she arrived from Congo with her two children in 2003.  Heather offered emotional and practical support to Therese and her family, helping them settle into life in Newcastle, teaching the family how to speak and write English, and was always on hand to listen to problems and provide care and support through difficult times.

Therese said:

“We came here from war with no family and no things. Heather showed me how to live in Newcastle because everything is so different to where I came from.
“When I was depressed, she was there to make sure we were OK day and night. She is our hero and inspiration.”

Heather said, “I was just trying to do the best I could to help someone. It means a lot because it comes from Therese who is my family now.”

You can watch a short film about why Therese nominated Heather here.

Speaking at the awards, host Kathy Secker said: “We are here to recognise the neighbourly spirit that exists across the region and to commend the selfless acts of kindness demonstrated by you all. The nominations received into this year’s award scheme have been tremendous and just go to show how much neighbours mean to each other."

We agree Kathy! These awards showcase just a handful of those of you who make a difference in your communities, every day of the year. Good neighbours hold local communities together which is why we want to recognise the selflessness and hard work of unsung local heroes.

You can read the Evening Chronicle article on the finalists by clicking here - congratulations to everyone!

Click on the names of our runners up and finalists to read more...

Runners up

John Ferguson, Burnopfield
Norma Young, Shieldfield

Finalists

Joy Allsopp, Newburn
Malcolm Brydon, Walker
Richard Lunn, Byker
Doreen Pollock, Seaton Burn
Arkan Qadir, Byker