Active pensioner wins national award for community contribution

A tenant from Newcastle Upon Tyne has been named a ‘Community Champion’ in a national award. 

June Anderson, who lives at Anchor’s Shafto Court in Tyne and Wear was nominated by Lindsey Bell, Scheme Manager for always going the extra mile and helping her community. 

Almost 200 nominations were sent in for the Happy Living Awards run by Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit care and housing provider. The awards were launched in August with six categories: Green Fingered Customer, Best Neighbour, Extraordinary Talent, Grandparent of the Year, Community Champion and Best Pet.

June Anderson, who has lived at Shafto Court, is thrilled to receive for the Community Champion Award. She said: “I am amazed at winning this award, I can’t really believe it, I’m sure there would have been other people who deserved it far more than me. In saying that, I’m also really happy for our scheme because it is a great place to live and if I can help to improve that I will.”

Lindsey Bell, who appreciates the difference June makes to their community, said: “June deserves to win, for last year alone she has managed to secure a lottery fund to help towards activities within the community and bring others into Shafto Court. The most recent event has been a ladies day at the races to raise money for the kidney unit at the Newcastle freeman hospital. She is an asset to our community and she is passionate about what she does.”