Pandemic responsible for unprecedented amount of nominations so far

Neighbours across the UK are encouraged to act quickly, with just two weeks left to nominate someone as the UK’s ‘Neighbour of the Year’ – a competition run in partnership between Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch.

Officials say that good deeds in the height of lockdown have created an unprecedented amount of nominations so far, with 50 per cent more entries than the same time last year.

Earlier this year, Co-op Insurance identified that almost three quarters (72%) of UK adults knew which of their neighbours were classed as high risk and over a quarter (26%) checked in on their neighbours in the first few weeks of the national lockdown.

Ellis German, Home Insurance Executive at Co-op Insurance said: “We’ve had an overwhelming response so far, with entries illustrating the great ways neighbours across the country have stepped up to help others in their time of need this year.

“We’re looking forward to seeing even more entries over the next two weeks, especially for our new Young Neighbour of the Year category.”

This year sees the introduction of a new award to crown someone Co-op’s Young Neighbour of the Year. The new category will celebrate someone up to the age of 21 who has gone a step further for their community and brought people, young and old, together.

A panel of judges from Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch will crown the UK’s Neighbour of the Year and the inaugural Young Neighbour of the Year winner in November. There will also be regional prizes up for grabs.

To help discover the nation’s best neighbours, Co-op members have created a criteria for what makes a good neighbour in 2020, resulting in four traits which entries for Neighbour of the Year will be judged on.

Traits of a good neighbour:

  • Good neighbours look out for each other - for example keeping an eye on the house
  • Good neighbours are sociable and friendly - happy for a chat or a party invitation
  • They’re practically helpful - from taking in parcels to offering help with the plumbing
  • They’re kind, caring and respectful - more specifically thinking about the impact they have on neighbours

Nilesh Chohan, from Leeds, was crowned Neighbour of the Year in 2019 for his dedication in bringing his neighbours together. Nilesh was commended for his consistent caring and neighbourly behaviour over the past decade.

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, said: “This year we’ve needed our neighbours more than ever before so it’s important that we celebrate the ordinary people who make our nation great. The kind, every-day deeds of neighbours help create safe, secure and happy neighbourhoods where people, families and communities thrive. I look forward to seeing the nominations to be reminded just how wonderful people can be.”

Nominations can be made by visiting co-opinsurance.co.uk/hub/neighbour-of-the-year/ and entries close on Sunday 25th October.