Winner: Autism Outreach Team
What a triumph this was for a team of very special people.
The help they give is a valuable source of support for people living in the Wearside area who have a family member with autism.
Yet despite their excellent work, they were still surprised to win in a hotly contested category.
Claire Tubman, a higher level teaching assistant with the team, said: “It’s a shock but we are over the moon.
“We were up against some really fabulous groups in that category.
“We did not think that we would be successful but it is lovely to be recognised and to know that the parents appreciated what we do.
“We are thrilled.”
Claire and her fellow team members turned out in force for the awards ceremony.
They wanted to show their appreciation for the person who put them forward for a trophy.
Claire added: “We would like to say thank you to the parent who nominated us.
This incredible team, based at Columbia Grange School, help families across Wearside who have a family number with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).
They run clubs for children, training courses for staff and parents as well as providing support for families.
One parent who praised they way they helped her son following his diagnosis said: “Had it not been for the amazing team we would have struggled massively in learning how to cope and implement strategies to help with the basic day to day things that most people do.”
Also shortlisted: Gateway North East. The Songbirds. Parkside Community Centre.