Civic award winners recognised for outstanding contributions to community
The outgoing Mayor of Stockton has honoured outstanding people and organisations.
Councillor John Gardner, in his final engagement as mayor, presented the awards at the annual Mayor's Civic Awards.
These awards recognise individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the community.
Councillor Gardner said: "It was a pleasure to present these awards to worthy winners from around the borough and it was a fitting way to end my mayoral year.
The Green Award (Image: Stockton Council)
"The community spirit across our borough is so strong and it was brilliant to be able to shine a light on some of the residents and organisations who help make that possible."
The winners of this years awards were announced across eight categories including Green, Young Person, Service to Community, Health and Wellbeing, Carer/Foster Carer, and Mayor's Special Award.
The Green Award went to the Mill Lane Community Garden group.
Services to the Community Award (Image: Stockton Council)
This group of volunteers transformed an overgrown piece of land into a community space with vegetables, flowers, and bug hotels.
They've also engaged with Mill Lane Primary School for workshops and created a mural for the garden.
The Young Person award had joint winners this year - Amelia Howson and Myles Sivewright.
Mayor's Special Award (Image: Stockton Council)
These selfless young carers have supported family members, raised awareness about young carers, and developed a mental health support booklet for young carers.
Blue Light Babies (BLB) won the Service to Community award for groups and organisations.
With more than 7,000 members, BLB has made more than 13,000 outfits for the Give A Duck foundation's ducks, used as teaching aids for children diagnosed with cancer.
Joanne Owen, a paramedic, was recognised for her individual service to the community.
Through her Facebook group, Blue Light Babies, Joanne has donated more than 8,000 of her handmade 'Snugglepods' to ambulance trusts across the UK.
These pouches provide comfort to parents who have lost their premature babies in ambulances.
The Service to Community - Business award was given to Hampton by Hilton for their dementia-friendly training and monthly drop-in groups for residents living with dementia or feeling lonely.
The Women's Health Team at Hartlepool and Stockton Health were recognised in the Health and Wellbeing category for their support of people experiencing menopause.
Since launching their menopause drop-in cafés in January 2023, they have helped more than 230 people.
The Carer/Foster Carer award went to Lindsay Taylor, who supports young people in her care with practical skills and emotional warmth.
The Mayor's Special Award was given to Les Southerton for his extensive charity work after retiring, including serving as the chair of the Tees Active Leisure board since 2015.
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