Community Heroes Awards winners revealed
We’re delighted to announce that 13 customers have been named as Community Heroes Awards winners for 2022.
We received some brilliant nominations for this year’s awards and we’re honoured to have been able to present each of the winners with a hamper as a way of thanking them for their outstanding work in the community.
Maurice Hegarty, Community Investment Lead for the West region, has been running the awards scheme for this year.
He said he was truly humbled by some of the stories of what our winners have been up to this year.
The winners in full
Janet runs a bingo group for her neighbours and always asks them if they need anything whenever she goes shopping, as well as generally helping in any way she can around the scheme. She’s also helped a neighbour who was suffering from ill health call an ambulance.
Ros takes the time to check in and help those around her, whether it's checking in to see how they are or noticing when someone is not quite themselves and needs support. She’s also instrumental in arranging community get togethers. Ros is the epitome of a community spirited individual.
Dawn attends the local cafe in Skegness every Tuesday to give her time to people in the community to lend an ear and offer support and information on local events. Dawn really cares about the safety and wellbeing of her immediate neighbours and others in the community too.
Julie stepped in to call an ambulance after discovering a man unresponsive at an address. He was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke. Thanks to Julie’s quick actions, he’s now receiving support and making a recovery.
Marie has been instrumental in organising and running social events at Windmill Court. She runs a successful bingo group and raffle for residents and their families. She’s also started a games and social afternoon to make sure residents are kept entertained.
Nominated with Sheila Pidgeon, Debbie stepped forward after Covid to arrange a group at Willow Court every week where they meet for refreshments, karaoke and other entertainment. They’ve both succeeded in improving the motivation, wellbeing and lives of those who live at Willow Court.
Nominated with Debbie Palmer, Sheila stepped forward after Covid to arrange a group at Willow Court every week where they meet for refreshments, karaoke and other entertainment. They’ve both succeeded in improving the motivation, wellbeing and lives of those who live at Willow Court.
Julio has, for the last three years, maintained the front and back entrance of Oak Tree Court to keep it looking lovely and clean. He cleans cobwebs and debris away and takes great pride in his work. Other customers have praised his work.
Graeme has made an impact at Oak Tree Court and improved the mental wellbeing of fellow customers. He takes part in activities but makes everyone laugh and goes that extra mile. He doesn’t take things too seriously and looks out for others.
Nominated with David Macleod and Julie Forsyth, these customers have designed and created an eye-catching garden area of an over-55s scheme. There’s seating, a gas BBQ area and a place to watch wildlife bloom. Their teamwork and dedication was second to none.
Nominated with Brian Cooper and Julie Forsyth, these customers have designed and created an eye-catching garden area of an over-55s scheme. There’s seating, a gas BBQ area and a place to watch wildlife bloom. Their teamwork and dedication was second to none.
Nominated with David Macleod and Brian Cooper, these customers have designed and created an eye-catching garden area of an over-55s scheme. There’s seating, a gas BBQ area and a place to watch wildlife bloom. Their teamwork and dedication was second to none.
Shaquille has been involved with Residents R Us since he was six-years-old and has now started leading a ICT skills class for older residents on Beechdale estate. Described as kind, considerate and helpful, he’s used his passion to help others stay safe online.
Rosaleen Peggy Littlejohn with Sue Crask, Community Programme Manager
To hear about the amazing work that people are doing in their communities to help other people is humbling – whether it be what some would deem relatively minor things such as helping neighbours with daily tasks to leading ICT workshops.
He said: “I always enjoy reading through the nominations for the Community Heroes Awards, and this year was certainly no exception.
“To hear about the amazing work that people are doing in their communities to help other people is humbling – whether it be what some would deem relatively minor things such as helping neighbours with daily tasks to leading ICT workshops.
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to say thank you, on behalf of Longhurst Group, by way of a hamper, which I hope each and every one of our Community Heroes will enjoy.
“I’d also like to thank everybody who submitted a nomination this year – without your contributions, we’d not be able to run the awards and we believe it’s important we recognise these brilliant people.”
Julie Forsyth and David Macleod, with Sareeta Sharma, Regional Community Investment Lead – South and Sarah Cartwright, Scheme Assistant
I’d like to say a massive thank you to whoever nominated me for this award – it’s an honour to be recognised for what I’ve done.
Teenager Shaquille Nelson, who’s recently turned 17, has won a Community Heroes Award after he led ICT classes for older residents in his community.
He worked with the Residents R Us community group on Beechdale estate in Walsall to run the classes, to help older people stay safe online and learn basic key skills.
He said: “It’s very unexpected to win a Community Heroes Award but I’m very honoured to accept it.
“I’ve really enjoyed running the classes and teaching the basic ICT skills. It’s helped me to grow in confidence which I can use in the future.
“It’s also helped me to learn new skills as well which will help me teach others in the future.
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to whoever nominated me for this award – it’s an honour to be recognised for what I’ve done.”
Dawn Asplen, with Sue Crask, Community Programme Manager
I like to help people as much as I can. If you see somebody that’s upset or alone, it’s nice to feel as though you’ve done something to help them and give a little bit back to the community.
Dawn Asplen in Skegness also received a hamper after being named a winner for her work in the community supporting other people.
She said: “It was very much out of the blue, but it put a smile on face and it was all a bit exciting really!
“I didn’t expect anything like this but it’s lovely to feel appreciated.
“I like to help people as much as I can. If you see somebody that’s upset or alone, it’s nice to feel as though you’ve done something to help them and give a little bit back to the community.
“I’m really proud to have won this award.”
Susan Nash, Scheme Manager at Carrington Gardens (left) with Julie Patterson
Winners from previous years
In 2021, colleagues were encouraged to nominate those who go above and beyond for their community