Shortlist announced for Civic Awards 2023

After receiving an amazing 230 entries, the judging panel for this year’s Civic Awards had the difficult task of forming the shortlist of finalists… and here it is.

Organised by North East Lincolnshire Council’s Civic Office in partnership with HMT St Hugh’s Hospital, Grimsby, the awards, now in their second year, celebrate community spirit in our area.

Ashley Brown, the director of St Hugh’s Hospital, who was on the judging panel, said: “A hearty congratulations to the amazing people and organisations who have been nominated in this year’s awards. It was a brilliant and humbling experience to read about all the positive things happening in our community, and it truly was a difficult task to choose between them – all are very worthy in their own right and deserve praise.

“We at St Hugh’s Hospital are very much looking forward to joining together with everyone at Grimsby Town Hall to celebrate those shortlisted and shine a spotlight on some important work.”

The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Cllr Stephen Beasant, who joined Ashley and others on the panel, added: “I’d like to congratulate everyone who was nominated in this year’s awards, we were overwhelmed by the sheer number of inspirational stories about people doing their best for their community. It was incredibly difficult to decide on the shortlist, even more so to choose between the winners and runners up.

“I’d also like to thank everyone who took the time to make a nomination, it’s moving to see how much people look out for each other in their community. I’m looking forward to celebrating with all the shortlisted nominees at our awards ceremony at Grimsby Town Hall.”

 

Sporting and Wellness Award

YMCA Humber Youth Club

For providing a hub for hundreds of youngsters with a welcoming atmosphere, kindness and activities inclusive for all

Grimsby Freestyle Boxing Club

For developing sports competitors who compete at a national and international level, even a world champion, whilst delivering leadership, health and lifestyle skills

Daniel Barrett

For forming a team of local talent on a budget and achieving two successful promotions whilst inspiring young players to achieve their potential

Mayor’s Community Impact Award

Nurture Nature Forest School CIC

For inspiring everyone to connect with the outdoors, teaching skills from a very young age and improving the wellbeing to people of all ages.

Paint the Town Proud Project

For fantastic murals painted around the Grimsby area.  Many people made this happen and these projects are being talked about in such a positive way creating a lasting legacy in our area.

Helping Hands

For providing days out for over 2000 people and afternoon teas at many group dwellings and treats for seriously ill youngsters.

 

Inspirational Young Person Award

Max Clarke

For volunteering and collecting donations for a wide variety of local charities including dog food and bedding for The Ark Animal Rescue to sleeping bags for the Grimsby Food Kitchen.

Elysia Nicolaou

For raising thousands of pounds by fundraising and bringing the local community together after substantial damage was caused to her local park.

Jax Batty

For his relentless fundraising efforts for children and young people who have a stoma whilst he faces his own challenges and medical condition.

 

Good Neighbour Award

Jackie Cheffins

For looking out for her elderly customers in her delivery driver role by making sure prescriptions and even biscuits are picked up and appointments attended. Jackie made sure those alone had a Christmas dinner during the festivities.

Sandra & Graham Ellis

For running the Neighbourhood Watch Group and 5am starts watering community hanging baskets, to arranging Easter, Halloween and Christmas events for youngsters and families in Cleethorpes.

Louise Whyte

For helping out at the local youth centre and a variety of community-based activities, Louise is compassionate and is concerned about those around her, even opening up her home to others during a power cut.

 

Environmental Impact Award

James Elliott

For transforming the Freshney and working tirelessly to keep our environment clean and tidy. A huge asset to Grimsby and supportive of those with mental health issues.

Great Coates in Bloom

For undertaking litter picks throughout the village and community all year round and encouraging wildlife with bug hotels. For planting and maintaining trees and flowers

Frank Sparkes

For selfless work looking after the North Wall in Cleethorpes for over 20 years keeping the area clean and fly tipping free

 

Charity / Volunteer of the Year Award

Amber Cardwell / Oasis Hub South Grimsby

For supporting and empowering families in the area with the food pantry, toddler group sessions and ongoing financial guidance

Friendship at Home

For reducing loneliness and isolation through befriending in peoples homes, over the telephone along with well-being checks and specialist advice across North East Lincolnshire

Nurtrio

For bringing together a range of essential social care services to hundreds of vulnerable people living across the Borough

 

Business in the Community Award

Ayolt Kloosterboer

For supporting the local economy through using local supply chains, creating job opportunities, promoting equality and diversity.

St Andrew’s Hospice, Grimsby

For the volunteer team who support the day to day running of the charity from admin to retail and helping across the entire Hospice clinical units.

The Children’s Nursery, Stallingborough

For developing and continuing to invest in a neighbourhood nursery to the highest standards in early years education.