Nominations call for unsung heroes
FORMER Emmerdale star Charlie Hardwick took time out of her weekend to help launch the Pride of Britain awards in the North East.
The actress, who played Val in the long-running ITV soap, posed with the campaign’s fleet of Mini Cooper cars in a bid to encourage residents in the region to celebrate their unsung heros.
Nominations for Trinity Mirror’s Pride of Britain 2017, sponsored by TSB, are now open and the awards scheme kicked off in the Newcastle and Gateshead on Saturday.
Residents are being encouraged to nominate people for the TSB Community Partner Award, which recognises those who have “displayed remarkable courage through adversity, helped others improve their lives or made a difference to their community by their everyday actions of kindness”.
This year’s Pride of the North East Winners 2017 for the TSB Community Partner Award was creative ageing charity Equal Arts and its HenPower Project, which was set up with the aim of using hens to tackle social isolation, reduce depression and improve older people’s wellbeing.
Jos Forester-Melville, HenPower programme manager, said: “To be recognised on this scale for the positive impact HenPower is making to older people in the region has given us a real boost.
“It’s amazing to have gone from such humble beginnings in one care setting to supporting thousands of older people and communities.
“It has been fantastic for all those involved. The efforts of staff and artists, support from care staff and residents embracing something different is making a lasting difference to people’s lives.”
Bev Gibson, TSB’s area director, North East UK, said” “At the Pride of North East, the TSB Community Partner Award recognised the wonderful work of the HenPower Project. The people behind HenPower illustrate perfectly how well local people support each other.
“The volunteers and the ‘Hensioners’ are a wonderful group of people using hen-keeping to tackle social isolation, reduce depression and improve people’s wellbeing.”
TSB’s CEO, Paul Pester, added: “At TSB, we are committed to helping local communities to thrive so we are very proud to partner the Pride of Britain Awards for the second year running.
“Pride of Britain showcases how outstanding people bring a community together for the greater good and make an impact on the lives of everyone around them. Honouring these special people, like creative ageing charity Equal Arts and its HenPower Project, in this way is such a positive, uplifting experience for everyone involved.”
To nominate someone, either submit a nomination online on the Pride of Britain website or pop into your local TSB branch.
You can find out more details about the awards and previous winners at www.prideofbritain.com