Neighbour of the Year 2019
For the second year running, we've launched a nationwide search in partnership with our friends at Neighbourhood Watch to find and celebrate some of the UK’s best neighbours.
Neighbour of the Year 2019 by Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch
Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural award, Co-op and Neighbourhood Watch are looking once again for people to nominate their neighbours who go above and beyond to help their neighbourhood and surrounding community, to find the UK’s Neighbour of the Year 2019.
Additionally this year sees the introduction of a new category to crown someone the ‘2019 Community Spaces Champion’. The new award will celebrate someone who has shown commitment to either save, improve, or use a local space for the good of their neighbours or overall community.
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When you think about it – we all have one thing in common. We are all neighbours.
And the good news is that we seem to be getting better at it. The research from Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch shows that most of the key indicators which measure being a good neighbour have improved since 2018.
I feel like I fit the research description well. I know my neighbours well enough to say hello to, wave at them in the street and I keep an eye on them. But I don’t really socialise with them.
I think that is OK – especially in this day and age where we are so busy. Nobody wants a ‘nosey neighbour’ keeping an eye on their business – but we all want to feel that someone is looking out for us or will give us a helping hand if we really need it, don’t we?
For instance – I once needed to travel to London and, typically, my car broke down that morning. It was for a really important meeting and I desperately didn’t want to be late. I suddenly felt very stressed and worried that I would miss it. For context, I live in an area where taxis don’t really travel out to. I saw one of my neighbours and they offered to run me to the station which made a huge difference to my day.
Even though this might feel like a small gesture to some – to me this was absolutely huge. And that seems to be the key – these seemingly ‘small’ gestures have a huge impact on us.
Since doing this campaign, many people have asked me – how do you build a relationship with your neighbours? My advice is to keep it simple. The research says that we are doing things like taking in parcels for our neighbours and popping over to deliver them. Next time you do this – maybe just spend a moment to introduce yourself. I think you’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it could make to you, them and your community.
We all want to be ‘quiet’ and ‘courteous’ – it feels very ‘British’ to me. We don’t want to disturb anyone as we go about our daily business – but I think it’s time to change that… a little bit.
Gardening for me has always been a great ice breaker. You don’t need to be an expert but it can start a straightforward conversation about the lawn or hedges or a flower you particularly like. It could be that the rain will really benefit the garden… and let’s face it is almost always raining so that feels safe. I find that then the conversation moves into other areas like ‘Ah you are the one that lives at Number 7’ and that opens up to help us get to know each other a bit more.
We see, hear and feel that the country is ‘divided’ every single day. But, isn’t it encouraging that on the ground we are coming together. We are getting better and doing small things to help each other out.
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Nilesh Chohan from Headingley, Leeds has been crowned this year’s Neighbour of the Year, thanks to his dedication to bringing his neighbours together.
Neighbour of the Year 2019 – Nilesh Chohan
Nilesh Chohan from Headingley, Leeds has been crowned this year’s Neighbour of the Year, thanks to his dedication to bringing his neighbours together. Having lived on his street for 35 years, Nilesh is a true pillar of his community, and has set up a residents group to keep people informed and connected.
As part of creating an inclusive community, he holds regular “Welcome to all Residents” street events where he serves pakoras and onion bhajis, and provides new residents with local information, whilst providing a platform for neighbours – new and old – to get to know each other. He’s even started a ‘get to know your neighbour campaign’ which encourages all different kinds of residents – whether that’s students, families, or professionals – to get to know each other by knocking on each other’s’ doors and introducing themselves.
A few years ago he and a team of residents, came together to pot bulbs in containers and donate these to over 100 local homes. And his neighbourly acts don’t stop there – over the past six years, Nilesh has held eight charity curry nights in aid of various charities, raising over £10K to date!
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Kevin Plicio from Sutton, London, has been named as the Community Spaces Champion 2019 and was nominated 17 times for the award for his involvement in setting up YourSpace Sutton.
Community Spaces Champion – Kevin Plicio
Kevin Plicio from Sutton, London, has been named as the Community Spaces Champion 2019 and was nominated 17 times for the award for his involvement in setting up YourSpace Sutton. He has grown the community project from scratch, turning what was a neglected area behind a park into a community hub where all members of the community can come and enjoy the gardens, have tea and cake in the cafe, and bring children for painting workshops.
Not only is YourSpace now an outdoor space full of plants, flowers, beehives, and even a pond. It is a training and educational resource as well as an escape from the pace of day to day living, and it is an open invite for local people and businesses to help a hand in the gardens and spend some time among nature.
Kevin has a team of volunteers that help with the upkeep and the running of YourSpace, and it’s fast becoming a meeting place for coffee amongst mothers and their children, retired people, disabled people, and the whole community.
Even following a setback from a fire at the premises, Kevin has kept his enthusiasm for the project and continues to help the community thrive.
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Find out more about Paul who was crowned Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch’s 2018 Neighbour of the Year.
We caught up with last year’s winner, Paul Zeun, and his neighbour Abby who nominated him, to chat about how they feel one year on since Paul was crowned the first ever Neighbour of the Year.
- Co-op So, one year on! Now you’ve had time to reflect, how do you feel about being the first ever winner of our Neighbour of the Year Award?
- Paul I’m still amazed, actually…I still can’t believe it. It’s been a good year! In fact, only a couple of days ago, one of the flats in our block has just been sold and the people who have bought it actually recognised me and said “were you the neighbour of the year last year?!” to which I said, yes! And that’s still happening a year on – it’s just amazing. As for the party, it was just great – everybody had such a good night, and we’re all still talking about it a year on.
- Co-op How – if at all – has the award changed how the neighbours see Paul? When thinking that he is UK’s Neighbour of the Year 2018?
- Paul When I first won, I felt a bit of a star – especially after being on TV and radio. Everyone was talking about it! My neighbours were telling their friends about me, who then were calling me up to congratulate me, my family and Abby’s family were sending their congratulations. And a year on, I’m getting reminders of it on Facebook from when people were posting about me winning last year – it’s lovely.
- Abby I think it just highlighted the things that Paul does for all of us. Although we did all thank Paul before the award, when he won the award, it made people realise just how much he does for everyone. It’s great that he’s been recognised for all that he does. It gave everyone the opportunity to truly recognise what Paul does, and congratulate him on his well-deserved award.
- Co-op Has it encouraged any other neighbours to do things differently/have they been influenced by Paul’s generosity as a neighbour?
- Paul To hear what Abby had said about me was truly heart-warming and I think that all the neighbours are closer because of the experience; it’s brought us together.
- Abby We think more about how our behaviour affects one another and how we can all help each other. I think the award has really made people think about how to be better neighbours. And I guess in a way to thank Paul, we have all decided to step up to do more for each other.
- Co-op Would you encourage others to get involved with entering the award? Why?
- Paul Most definitely! It brings people together…it just makes where you live a happier place; it’s an amazing thing to do.
- Abby Yes! If you have got a neighbour who goes out of their way to be neighbourly and bring people together, it’s a great way to thank that person. It’s a really special way of being able to show someone just how much they mean to their neighbours.
- Co-op Abby, can you give us an idea of the thought process behind entering Paul for the award?
- Abby When I saw the competition, I immediately thought of Paul; I wanted to do something extra special to thank him for all he’s done. And, actually, when I was completing the form and answering the questions about what kind of things Paul does as a neighbour, it made me realise just how much Paul does and why he is such a great neighbour.
- Co-op Abby, how do you feel the win has impacted Paul?
- Abby It was just so nice to see! I didn’t know how Paul would react to me nominating him – I wondered how he would take it – would he be embarrassed by the attention? I was a little bit worried about how he’d react, but I when I told him I’d nominated him, he took it really well and I could see that he got a lot of enjoyment out of the whole process. When he won, I saw that he was over the moon, and it was great to see everyone celebrating his award!
- Co-op How did you find the nomination process?
- Abby It was an easy process, and it really got me thinking about how lucky I am to live here and have Paul as a neighbour.
- Co-op Paul, how did it make you feel to know that Abby had taken the time to nominate you for this award?
- Paul Initially, Abby phoned me and asked if I was available for a photoshoot because she’d nominated me for the Neighbour of the Year…I hung up on her because I thought it was a joke! Then, Co-op phoned me telling me I’d won the competition! They sent me what Abby had said about me on the nomination form, and why she had nominated me and I was just so overwhelmed with it all, I really was. What a lovely thing for someone to do for me! I know I do things for my neighbours, but to see it in writing and all listed out, it was a lovely experience; really heart-warming.
- Co-op What would you say to someone who’s thinking of nominating their neighbour for the award this year…any advice?
- Paul Go ahead and do it! Everybody has got a chance of winning it. For me, just being nominated was an achievement.
- Abby Even just a nomination is a lovely gesture for a neighbour who always helps you out.
- Co-op Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your experience of winning the award?
- Paul What a fantastic night it was when we had our party! Go ahead and enter your neighbour; if anyone has done a good deed – no matter how big or small – nominate them for it!
- Abby Even the small things that good neighbours do can have a huge impact on people – whether that’s reducing loneliness or making peoples’ lives easier by putting the bins out. It doesn’t matter how big or small, it still makes a difference.
- Paul Even a simple smile goes a long way! Looking out for people is something I’ve always done – whether that’s when I’ve been living abroad or here in the UK, I’ve always been the same and it obviously works!
- Abby I’ve got a question…can I nominate him again?!
2018 Winner
Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch crowned Paul Zeun from Sheffield 2018’s Neighbour of the Year for his consistent caring and neighbourly behaviour.
Paul was nominated by his neighbour, Abby Wilson who first met Paul when she locked herself out of her flat 10 years ago and he helped her to get back in. They have been friends ever since.
Over the past decade, Paul has helped her to redecorate her new flat, taken her to A&E and picked her up from hospital several times. He also feeds her cats when she goes away, takes in parcels and even brings in the washing when it rains.
Paul has cared for terminally ill neighbours and looks after his other neighbours by doing the shopping for those who can’t, shares his DIY skills and looks after people’s pets. He originally instigated and continues to organise communal themed BBQ’s and Christmas fancy-dress parties.
Abby said: “Paul has done so much for me and the wider community over the years and he’s an extremely deserving winner. He has been instrumental in developing real friendships that have blossomed throughout the neighbourhood.
“Paul’s kindness and generosity is and always has been felt, even when he himself is in need or having difficult times. Paul’s door is always open to the neighbours and he’s there to cheer you up when you’re feeling blue.”
Commenting on the award win, Paul said: "I was totally overwhelmed when I found out that I had won this award. I enjoy helping people and getting to know everyone in the neighbourhood - I believe that if we all did this, the world would be a much happier place!"
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The annual study reveals the nation’s thoughts on what makes a good neighbour and explores the relationships people have with those close by, for the second year running.
News release
All is quiet on the home front, as neighbourly traits are revealed.
- Fifth of homeowners and renters don’t know all their neighbours
- Parking revealed as the top neighbour irritant, followed by dogs barking, and noise
- Taking parcels in, being quiet, and keeping an eye on a neighbour’s property top the list as most neighbourly traits
Nine out of ten homeowners and renters (87%) believe that they are good neighbours, yet less than a fifth (18%) say they know all of them, according to a new study from Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch1.
The annual study reveals the nation’s thoughts on what makes a good neighbour and explores the relationships people have with those close by, for the second year running.
Just a fifth (18%) of UK homeowners and renters said they get along with their neighbours more now than they did five years ago. Whereas last year, almost a third (30%) said they had a better relationship with their neighbours than they had five years previous.2
The study also reveals a shift away from neighbours becoming friends as just a fifth (22%) said they’d love to be friendlier with their neighbours. Previously, almost a third (31%) of homeowners and renters wanted this to be a reality.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as the year-on-year research shows that as a nation, we are becoming more polite and aware of our neighbours. Three fifths (61%) of people claim to be quiet and courteous towards their neighbours compared to half (51%) that said the same last year.
Furthermore, the research shows what we believe to be the most important traits of a good neighbour. Taking parcels in on behalf of another tops the list, with three quarters (74%) saying this is something they think makes them good neighbours.
Being quiet and courteous is something that three fifths (61%) say they do to help their neighbours out, whilst over half (57%) keep an eye on their neighbour’s property when they’re not in.
Also high on reasons UK homeowners and renters believe they are good neighbours is the fact that they’re not nosey (43%), they’re courteous about where they park their car (42%) and they take their neighbours’ bins in and out (37%).
| Ranking | Action | % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | They take parcels in | 74% |
| 2 | They’re quiet and courteous | 61% |
| 3 | They keep an eye on a neighbour’s property when they’re not there | 57% |
| 4 | They’re not nosey | 43% |
| 5 | They’re courteous about where they park | 42% |
| 6 | They take the bins in and/or out for neighbours | 37% |
| 7 | They keep to themselves | 31% |
| 8 | They do odd jobs for neighbour | 16% |
| 9 | Their neighbour tells them they’re a good neighbour | 15% |
| 10 | They check that their neighbour has everything they need | 14% |
On the flip side, people were asked what irritates them most about their neighbours, for which, where they park their car tops the list, followed by barking dogs and being noisy.
Top 10 traits UK homeowners and renters think make a good neighbour
| Ranking | Trait | % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Where they park their car(s) | 13% |
| 2 | Their dog barking | 12% |
| 3 | They’re very noisy | 11% |
| 4 | They don’t maintain their garden | 9% |
| 5 | Their cat comes into my garden | 7% |
| 6 | They have loud arguments | 7% |
| 7 | They are nosey | 6% |
| 8 | They let their house look scruffy | 6% |
| 9 | The fact that we never speak to each other | 4% |
| 10 | They’re always doing DIY | 4% |
This comes as Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch announce the best neighbours in the UK. In creating the awards, they hope to highlight the importance of being a good neighbour in fostering safe and happy communities. Co-op’s members created the criteria for what makes a good neighbour in today’s society, resulting in four traits which entries for Neighbour of the Year were judged on.
Traits of a good neighbour, according to Co-op’s members
- 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 Headingley, Leeds has been crowned this year’s Neighbour of the Year, thanks to his dedication in bringing his neighbours together. He organised a welcome to all residents’ street event and started a ‘get to know your neighbour campaign’ last year bringing students and families together to create an inclusive community. Furthermore, over the past six years, Nilesh has held eight charity curry nights in aid of various charities, raising over £10K to date.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Neighbour of the Year awards, an additional category was introduced for 2019 to crown an individual as a ‘Community Spaces Champion’. The new award recognises the importance of community spaces and celebrates someone who has shown commitment to either save, improve, or use a local space for the good of their neighbours or overall community.
This builds on Co-op’s 2022 community plan, which includes the Endangered Spaces campaign with charity, Locality, to launch an to protect, support and improve 2,000 at-risk community spaces by 2022*.
Kevin Plicio from Sutton, London, has been named as the Community Spaces Champion 2019 and was nominated 17 times for the award for his involvement in setting up YourSpace Sutton. He’s grown the community project from scratch, turning what was a neglected area behind a park into a community hub where all members of the community can come and enjoy the gardens, have tea and cake in the cafe, and bring children for painting workshops.
Kevin has a team of volunteers that help with the upkeep and the running of YourSpace, and it’s fast becoming a meeting place for coffee amongst mothers and their children, retired people, disabled people, and the whole community.
TV personality, Charlie Dimmock, is backing the awards saying: "It’s uplifting to see that neighbours like Nilesh exist and are being recognised for the great work they’re doing to create streets where everyone feels safe and part of something."
"With my background, I understand how important utilising space to create something positive for a community can be. The way Kevin has taken what was an unused, neglected space, to create beautiful gardens and a real hub for the community is commendable. It’s great to see people using something such as gardening and landscaping to bring people of all backgrounds together."
Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Shared Value at Co-op, and one of the judges of the award said: "Everything we do links back to our purpose; to be ‘a better way of doing business’ for the members and communities we serve. These awards encapsulate just that."
"When judging the awards, we were very impressed with what so many people are doing daily – both big and small – to create a true sense of community in their area. All our research shows just how important a sense of community wellbeing is, and how spaces play a crucial role in achieving this. These awards show the massive impact of individuals, like our winners, have on helping people come together to create happy and healthy communities."
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, and one of the judges of the award said: "In this age of technology, it is easy to forget the value in being a good neighbour. It’s great to see people like Nilesh and Kevin bringing people together to create strong, friendly, active communities which prevents crime."
For further information contact:
Hannah Charlton
[email protected]
07713 314 894
Claire Newmarch
[email protected]
07808 609 944
Notes to Editors
Interviews with our winners available on request.
For more information on awards, please visit https://www.co-opinsurance.co.uk/hub/neighbour-of-the-year/
1Research conducted on behalf of Co-op Insurance by Atomik among 2,007 UK homeowners and renters in August 2019
2Research conducted on behalf of Co-op Insurance by Atomik among 2,000 homeowners and renters in the UK in July 2018
*This is part of Co-op’s overall Co-operate 2022 vision – you can find out more information here: https://www.coop.co.uk/communities
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