Everybody needs good neighbours – here are some of Newcastle’s best......

Judge's Special Award Overall Neighbour of the Year

Margaret O’Callaghan, 65, of West Denton

Margaret scooped both the Margaret Currie award for Outstanding Work in the Community - named after a long-standing tenant member of the YHN board who passed away - and the Judge’s special award for Newcastle’s Best Neighbour.

Margaret, who is well known in the Denton area for her
tireless work of the community said: “This is unbelievable,
I never expected to win two awards!

“Margaret Currie was my best friend and I’m welling up at
the thought of winning an award named in her honour.

“We have a wonderful city and if we all work together we can make it even better."

Jimmy worked in the Byker Community for 30 years as a member of local community and tenants associations, regularly attends council meetings as his neighbour’s representative and was instrumental in the opening of the Cheviot Community Centre.

Nelly worked closely with the council to challenge landlords who let their properties become rundown and derelict – saving 800 flats from demolition in the process. She has taken part in a number of community projects and council partnerships, and has been involved with a children’s jazz band for over 30 years.

Rosie, who became homeless during her pregnancy, now helps young people in similar situations as a member of the Youth Voice group and takes part in teen pregnancy peer education programmes.

 Thomas Bates, 68, Kenton

Thomas looked after his neighbours pets while they are on holiday, did the books for a number of community groups and as a member of the Living in a Flat group, kept fellow tenants informed about Your Homes Newcastle.