Pride of South Tyneside Awards
The awards give us a unique opportunity to celebrate the lives and achievements of those people who make South Tyneside the special place that it is.
"It was my son Richard and his partner Michael who decided to enter me for the Pride of South Tyneside Awards Role Model of the Year Award last year.
"I'd helped to set up Parents Enquiry North East about 12 years ago to help and support people who have lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender sons or daughters. I'm known as Aunty Joan to many of the gay community in the North East.
"I remember making my way to the stage in a barrage of applause, hugs and kisses. I was so proud to get the award. It was important to me because this is still a taboo subject and it needs to brought out into the open."
Joan Small, South Shields
"The Shields Gazette is delighted that as a co-founder and joint organiser of the Pride of South Tyneside Awards, it has gone from strength to strength.
"We believe it is the perfect platform to honour those unsung heroes within the borough who make a difference every day."
John Szymanski, Editor of The Shields Gazette
"It's an honour and a delight to be the compere for the awards - the atmosphere is always so amazing! It's electric!
"South Tyneside has a wealth of unsung heroes and it's a privilege for the theatre to be involved in honouring them."
Ray Spencer, Executive Director of The Customs House
Did you know?
- The awards, organised by South Tyneside Council, the Shields Gazette and Customs House, have been running for six years
- You can join our search for South Tyneside's unsung heroes by nominating someone, or a group of people, for the 2008 awards. The closing date is noon on 24 March
- Categories include:
- Carer of the year
- Community group of the year
- Greener South Tyneside
- Sporting excellence
- Child of courage (under 16s)
- Good friend/neighbour
- Role model
- Young performer(s) of the year (under 21s)