Northumberland MP launches awards to honour those helping others during crisis

Ian Levy MP’s Blyth Valley Community Champions programme is now seeking nominations.

Those nominated could be for people looking out for neighbours by collecting prescriptions, residents who are organising food parcels for the most vulnerable, or those who are producing and donating items of equipment to help key workers carry out their critical work.

For example, the efforts of Jake Towers, a 23-year-old furloughed engineer, who is churning out protective visors from his house, were highlighted last week.

But people right across the county are doing their bit to help and support both neighbours, and those they have never met who are either in need, on the frontline in the NHS or social care, or keeping essential services going.

“Coronavirus has undoubtedly tested us a nation and it continues to do so,” Mr Levy, who was elected in December 2019, said. “The Government has led the response based on the best scientific advice and the county council is doing a brilliant job across Northumberland.

“Residents and groups in Blyth Valley have also stepped forward and are making a huge difference to people’s lives. In recent weeks, it has been a privilege to support the work of some truly remarkable people who have decided that they wanted to do something to help.

“It is these people and others that deserve our thanks and that is exactly what Blyth Valley Community Champions will do.

“Groups have been newly set up by residents and others are well established, but what they have all done is made a massive contribution.

“I am encouraging nominations from across every town and village in Blyth Valley, and I look forward to announcing the first community champion on May 8.”

Nominations for the awards scheme can be made on a rolling basis using the link below – www.ianlevy.org.uk/form/blyth-valley-community-champions

There is a weekly deadline of 5pm on a Wednesday with the community champion announced on Facebook and Instagram every Friday. A special reception will be held for all the champions when it is possible to do so.

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