Middlesbrough Council won the Public Sector Award at the 2024 Tees Valley Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Awards.
The event – now in its 14th year – brought together individuals, groups and businesses with a platform to celebrate, recognise, and empower diverse communities across the Tees Valley.
Represented by Neighbourhood Manager Adam Parkinson and Newport Hub manager Nusrat Hussain, the Council was nominated due to its role in the exemplary response to the violent disorder in Middlesbrough town centre on August 8.
In the wake of the unrest, Adam and Nusrat worked closely with the community on clean-up efforts and helped to organise multi-agency support initiatives, providing residents with access to vital services through drop-in sessions.
Working under the Neighbourhood North banner with organisations such as the Amal Project, Streets Ahead for Information, Victim Care and Advice service and with community partners like Public Health South Tees, Cleveland Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Thirteen, their swift action and leadership fostered collaboration and showcased the resilience and unity of the community.
A host of other individuals and organisations were honoured at the annual celebration held at Kirkleatham Walled Garden, which was supported by headline sponsors the Tees Valley Combined Authority and once again hosted by former Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal.
Community stalwart and Chair of the Hindi Cultural Society based in North Ormesby, Prem Kumar, was honoured with the lifetime achievement award.
The award is given to an exemplary individual who has made a lasting and significant impact on the Tees Valley community over the course of their lifetime, demonstrating positive leadership, dedication, and service to others.
Woman of the year was Jessica Gwaringa, an experienced registered nurse who set up Moonrise, a company which provides domiciliary care and agency staffing in the North East.
This year’s Community Organisation Award went to Refugee Futures, a Stockton-based organisation which works with refugees and people seeking asylum to help them flourish in new surroundings.
Middlesbrough institutions including Teesside University, Middlesbrough College and the MFC Foundation were also honoured at the ceremony, held last Friday.
Idrees Rashid, director of the BME Network, said: "As one of the partner organisations involved in the Tees Valley EDI Awards, it’s been an honour to help celebrate the individuals, businesses, and organisations who are championing equality, diversity, and inclusion in our region.
“These awards highlight the incredible work being done across Tees Valley to build a more inclusive and equitable society. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to continuing our efforts in driving meaningful change.
"A special thank you to all our sponsors, whose generous support makes these awards possible, with Tees Valley Combined Authority as our principal sponsor. Your commitment ensures that we can shine a spotlight on the amazing work happening in our communities."
This year marked the first since the annual ceremony underwent a name change.
Previously the Tees Valley BME Awards, organisers explained earlier this year that as society has changed, so has its mission. The EDI awards embrace all aspects of diversity such as gender, disability, sexual orientation and more.
From personal milestones to collective successes, the Tees Valley EDI awards highlight organisations and individuals who have significantly advanced opportunities for diverse communities and driven positive change throughout the region.
