Catalyst Achievement Awards dished out to celebrate unsung heroes

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Unsung heroes who make a huge difference to the lives of people in Stockton were recognised at a award ceremony.

The Catalyst Achievement Awards took place today to shine the spotlight on the borough’s community stalwarts and pay tribute to their hard work and dedication.

Community group of the year went to Stockton Town Pastors.

The charitable volunteer initiative provides a caring presence on the streets of Stockton on Friday and Saturday nights when members of the public may become vulnerable and in need of help.

Norton autism charity Daisy Chain scooped the innovation, partnership and enterprise award given to organisations that have found new ways of working to deliver services to people.

Other award winners included Nur Fitness which won the biggest health impact award, Wolviston Court Community Centre which was given the community spaces award and the Over 50’s Assembly which scooped the voice and influence award.

The fifth annual Catalyst Achievement Awards took place at Wynyard park in Billingham.

It saw more than 150 people from the voluntary and community sector come together to champion the work of individuals and not-for-profit organisations.

Steve Rose, chief executive at Catalyst, said “I look forward to the Catalyst Achievement Awards every year. It is both a fun and important part of Catalyst’s work.

“We need to make sure that vital voluntary work in the third sector doesn’t go unheard and that the passionate, hardworking and inspiring people in the borough have their efforts recognised.”

Other awards were volunteer in the arts, given to Radio Stitch Volunteers, volunteer in sport awarded to Chris Carter and Graham White and trustee of the year, won by Stuart Cornwell.

Young volunteer of the year was Jodie Cuthbert, volunteer of the year went to Gillian Restall and the outstanding achievement award went to Kevin Pitt from Billingham Environmental Link Programme.

Catalyst Achievement Awards at Wynyard Rooms - Community Group of the Year, Stockton Town Pastors, Beth Cash, Steve Johnson and Margo Inglis