New role for South Tyneside community champion Dr Shobha Srivastava MBE

Dr Shobha Srivastava MBE has been made an honorary vice president of The Community Foundation Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.

A donor to the Foundation, and one of its former trustees, Dr Srivastava has long been an advocate for community cohesion and supported a range of activities in South Tyneside including a healthy living centre, services for domestic abuse victims and raising awareness of forced marriage and honour-based violence.

Particularly close to her heart is Hindu Nari Sangh, which she founded. It works to increase cultural awareness among women of all ages and nationalities to reach their potential through dance, exercise and performance.

Most recently she has been appointed a Covid Champion by South Tyneside Council for encouraging people from all communities to come forward for Covid-19 vaccinations.

The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, supports small, local charities and community organisations in the region.

Every year, the Foundation award grants to hundreds of small charities in the North East England, through funds set up by a range of donors.

Dr Srivastava, who worked for a number of years as a consultant anaesthetist at South Tyneside District Hospital, said: “I was extremely excited to be offered this role because the Community Foundation has been close to my heart for many years from supporting groups I work with to having a fund there and my time on the board.”

Rob Williamson, chief executive of the Community Foundation said: “I am delighted to welcome Shoba as one of our new vice-presidents.

"Her support, expertise and enthusiasm over many years has been an important part of the development of the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.

“We know charitable organisations will be crucial to the recovery and renewal of our communities beyond the Covid crisis.

"This appointment recognises the vital part Shoba has played in making the Foundation what it is today – the largest independent charitable foundation in the North East.

"Her continued support will enable us to continue to provide both short-term and long-term support in the region.”