Craig Banks is officially ‘Young Neighbour of the Year’ in the East of England

04 March 2022

• 19-year-old from Hertfordshire is Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch’s regional winner

A teenager from Hertfordshire has been crowned the regional winner in the UK’s Young Neighbour of the Year Awards, hosted yearly by Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch. He was celebrated for supporting and carrying out chores for his neighbour Sally, after she started losing her sight 10 years ago.

Craig Banks, 19, who is studying at Harlow College, has been helping Sally in her home over the last six years. Craig helps Sally by carrying out jobs in her home, such as changing light bulbs and filling out any paperwork she may need help with.

Sally injured her back while working as an Emergency Technician in Essex for 18 years, and sadly became visually impaired 10 years ago, so requires help with daily tasks at home.

Craig Banks said: “I am so honoured to have won Young Neighbour of the Year in the East of England; it was such a surprise! I’m always happy to help my neighbours when they need extra assistance. It was very kind of Sally to nominate me for this award, it really means a lot.”

Sally Bentley, who nominated Craig adds: “I am so grateful for everything Craig has done for me since I became visually impaired, and I know he is always willing to help anyone in the neighbourhood who needs it. He is so selfless and caring, which is why I nominated him for this award. I couldn't be happier that he has won, he really deserves it. l have unofficially adopted Craig as my Grandson, he is such a lovely, helpful young man.”

Charles Offord, managing director of Co-op Insurance, said: “The number of entries we received this year was amazing to see. It’s clear that so many young people are doing great things as neighbours, and Craig really stood out and can be very proud of the way he is there for this community. It was heart-warming to read his story and all the incredible acts of kindness of people all over the UK.”

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, said: “We are thrilled to crown Craig as our Young Neighbour of the Year winner in the East of England. His hard work and passion for helping his community shone through and we hope his work will inspire many other young people to get out in their community and make a difference.”

The Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch Neighbour of the Year Awards, now in its fifth year, launched in 2018 to shine a light on the UK’s unsung heroes who are carrying out work in their communities to improve the lives of others. Winners are chosen in the categories of Neighbour, Young Neighbour and Community of the Year.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Media Enquiries: Jessica Edwards: jessica.edwards@halpern.co.uk Roxana Caia: roxana.caia@halpern.co.uk

About the Co-op: The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance, legal services and health. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates 2,500 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,100 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing over 62,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of £11.5 billion. As well as having clear financial and operational objectives, the Co-op is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.

About Neighbourhood Watch: Neighbourhood Watch is the largest voluntary movement focused on crime prevention in England and Wales. Over 2.3 million people belong to local schemes supported by voluntary Associations. Neighbourhood Watch Network is an independent charity (registered in England and Wales 1173349) that acts as the movement's national umbrella organisation. Membership of Neighbourhood Watch schemes is open to all and is free, although local groups may request donations. Neighbourhood Watch's website address is ourwatch.org.uk, and the charity can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.