The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, celebrated the contribution of the capital’s dedicated volunteers and community groups at an awards ceremony at City Hall last night.
The awards recognise exceptional Londoners who are committed to making the city a better place – from individuals who have spent decades helping charities to volunteer groups supporting their local communities.
Nominated by other Londoners, this year’s winners include Beni Mondua, who has helped young people transform their lives through boxing at Box Up Crime in Barnet, and Sue Rezai, whose hard work with Quo Vadis Trust, in Ealing, helped to renovate a garden to create a community space and improve mental health through gardening.
This year the Mayor’s Volunteering Awards has two additional categories honouring Londoners working hard across the faith sectors, and the contribution of young volunteers.
Sadiq encourages and supports all Londoners to get involved with local volunteering opportunities and to play an active role in their communities. This is part of the Mayor’s strategy to improve social integration across London, bringing the city’s diverse communities together.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It’s so important to celebrate the wonderful work of our city’s volunteers and community groups. Volunteering presents opportunities for all Londoners to have their voices heard and make a real difference to our communities at a time when we’ve seen key support services cut back. To all the nominees and winners, and to the countless other volunteers who generously dedicate themselves to helping fellow Londoners: thank you.”
Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, Debbie Weekes-Bernard, said: “Volunteering empowers Londoners to become active citizens in their communities and allows them to connect with others from diverse backgrounds. That’s why we want to make volunteering opportunities as accessible as possible so that everyone can take part. The winners of these awards have made wonderful contributions within their communities, and I would like to thank them, and every Londoner who volunteers, for all their hard work.”
The full list of winners are:
Bringing Londoners together
Clare Dawson, Shine Cancer Support (City of London) – Clare organises events through Shine Cancer Support to connect young people diagnosed with cancer to each other, as well as, healthcare professionals. She has helped countless young people throughout this difficult time in their lives and her volunteering has also had a hugely positive impact on their mental health.
Ramadan Tent Project (Multiple Boroughs) - ‘Open Iftar’ volunteers have created a safe space for anyone, regardless of age, race, religion or background, to explore the Islamic faith through sharing food and inspirational talks from speakers from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and politics. The Open Iftars allow the community to work together towards common goals and has significantly changed the perception of Muslims and Islam.
The Equality Group (Lewisham) – Students at Forest Hill School identified problems within their school and come together weekly to discuss challenges, make decisions and take actions, which has led to a reduction in bullying and an increased awareness of equality across the school.
Building Stronger Communities
James Fox, All Souls Ivybridge (Hounslow) - James works with staff to develop and sustain the drop-in multicultural community café that runs alongside the foodbank. He has also set up his own breakfast club at a local community centre. His aim is to create a safe and positive space for the most vulnerable members of his community, whilst providing a friendly smile and signposting them to other areas of support.
Christmas Day Dinner Richmond (Richmond)– A group of volunteers host Christmas Day celebrations – including a three-course meal and gifts, for young people aged 18-25 who are leaving the care system. They also provide information and support for the attendees. This day is an opportunity for young people to continue and create new friendships.
North London Citizens, Ark Academy (Brent)– This group of teachers, parents and students work together to improve relationships between adults and children in school, tackle issues that affect classroom performance (such as living conditions) and empower school members to take action together for change. They have lobbied council leaders and MPs and received messages of support from the Police as well as national newspapers.
Young Volunteer of the Year
Ida Saidy, Kelmscott School (Waltham Forest)- Ida is passionate about the issue of domestic violence and is currently busy raising awareness of this and the impact it has on young people. Ida has led on health and wellbeing carousel days and mental health and drug awareness activities.
Mayor’s Special Achievement
Beni Mondua, Box Up Crime (Barking & Dagenham)– Beni is an accredited volunteer coach working with young boys and girls aged 7-19. Many are at risk or are already involved in crime. Beni helps these young people to build confidence and aspirations. He has created a safe space for them in his regular mentoring sessions.
Kusai Rahal, Advocacy Projects (Barnet)- Kusai’s passion and focus has been around raising awareness around the causes and solutions to youth violence. Championing the 4front project allows Kusai to truly advocate for change, and work with key decision makers to ensure young people are involved and considered in every decision.
Bromley Youth Council (Bromley)– Bromley Youth Council is made up of a diverse group of 11-19 year olds with a variety of personal issues. They are all united in their passion for social action and making their borough a safe place to live with more opportunities for young people. They embarked on a campaign to reduce local youth violence, compiling the views of more than 700 young people and presenting this to police, council, Youth Offending Service managers and social services.
Activity and Wellbeing
Alan Beer, Silverfit (Multiple Boroughs)- Alan provides Nordic walking and guitar lessons for Silverfit members, improving their health and social opportunities. His goal is to combat isolation experienced by older people. Alan has created an atmosphere where lasting friendships are made and has helped many members improve their physical and mental health.
North Meets South Activity Volunteers, North Meets South (Barking and Dagenham)– Three retired volunteers created weekly activities to promote wellbeing and physical activity for older people. Their fun and inclusive sessions are not only increasing the wellbeing of members but reducing social isolation.
The Hurricanes, Gearies and Hatton Primary Schools (Redbridge)– This group has created their own ‘inclusive tag rugby’ tournament to provide opportunities for children with Autism, and other special educational learning or physical needs, enabling them to engage in this activity. They have now successfully delivered 32 weeks of high-quality coaching for children who have never had the opportunity to play sport and have received the full support of the England Rugby community coaching team and Bancroft Rugby Club.
London’s Environment
Sue Rezai, Quo Vadis Trust (Ealing)– The Community Activities Project Ealing (CAPE project) had what they referred to as an ‘unpleasant and overgrown garden’ before Sue’s regular volunteering transformed it into a beautifully vibrant and sensory stimulating space. It is now used for PTSD yoga groups, by local musicians, as well as the wider general public. Sue also uses the garden to share her wonderful gardening skills with others suffering from poor mental health.
Good Deeds on Bikes, Hornbeam Centre (Waltham Forest)– More than 30 cycling volunteers regularly make around 20 food waste collections per week, from local supermarkets and independent stores. They distribute the food collections to six local food banks and community centres. The project not only reduces food waste but, because everything is delivered by bicycle, it has zero impact on the environment.
Mapledown Eco Warriors, Mapledown School (Barnet)– Each class at The Mapledown School is assigned an Eco-Champion whose role is to raise awareness about environmental issues and advocate for healthy lifestyles among staff and students. The Eco Warriors are greatly reducing the school’s ecological footprint and informing students and staff on environmental issues.
Improving Life Chances
Zafar Razaq, Islamic Circles Supplementary School (Tower Hamlets) – When the school’s funding ran out for rent Zafar found host offices in Canary Wharf, helping the students experience a workplace environment. Zafar regularly recruits city workers to come along and give career talks and inspire the students. As a result of his hard work, the academic results of hundreds of previously struggling students every year have significantly improved, and the school provides a safe place to go.
Homeless Action Mobile Library, Quaker Homeless Action (Multiple Boroughs)- Dedicated volunteers bring their mobile library to different soup runs around London four times a week. These volunteers set up a stall, advise on books and chat to the readers. Volunteers also make themselves aware of local support networks so they can offer extra help if required. These passionate volunteers have enabled the library to reach thousands of Londoners. Their work has been greatly appreciated by people in their community, who are provided the opportunity to discuss something other than their homelessness.
Culture and Creative London
Sheila Hentall, Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich Mind Ltd. (Bromley)- Sheila uses her artistic skills to break down barriers around dementia. Her art classes allow dementia patients to express themselves and communicate their ideas. She organised an art exhibition at The Glades shopping centre, and those in the Dementia group spent weeks creating some amazing art. They used this to raise awareness and start discussions with the public, showing that you can live a positive life with Dementia.
Streatham Theatre Company (Lambeth)- This mixed team of experienced and newly skilled volunteers put on three productions a year in pop up venues across Streatham, including everything from pantomime, Alan Bennet to Shakespeare. With a mailing list of almost 1,000 friends of the theatre now, these volunteers and this small company have made big impact in their community by building the skill-set, self-esteem, confidence and mental wellbeing of their volunteers.
Interfaith Volunteering
Bibi Rabbiyah Khan, London Islamic Cultural Society (Haringey)– Bibi is a long-term supporter of the London Islamic Cultural Society and now is their first female president. She is also a member of the Multi-Faith Forum and has helped organise, connect and encourage the participation of local mosques, churches and synagogues to come together to support the homeless and other vulnerable members of the community. Bibi advises on all aspects of local daily life as well as working with local police, councillors and MPs on interfaith issues, and is recognised as a valuable community leader.
Employer Supported Volunteering
Network Rail Training Team, Secret Garden for the Blind Havering (Havering)- the Network Rail team of volunteers cleared the Secret Garden for the Blind enough for it to be reopened, after three years of closure and neglect. The team regularly maintain the garden and have created an eco-friendly, fully accessible sensory delight, full of wildlife and birdsong and plenty of bees. The garden recently won a Green Flag and benefits the whole community.
Just Eat (Multiple Boroughs)- Just Eat partnered with a local charity, Career Accelerator, to help get underrepresented 13-15 year olds into digital and tech careers. They run employability workshops, mentor young people with career advice and coach them in communications and social skills. They also provide valuable work experience in their offices. 100 per cent of students reported that the volunteers had influenced their views about STEM subjects and 87 per cent have chosen STEM subjects at A Level.
RBC Capital Markets, Ronald McDonald House (Multiple Boroughs)- The team of RBC volunteers started to support Ronald MacDonald House at Guys Hospital with a monthly ‘Take Away Tuesday’ where the team purchased pizzas for the families staying in the House while their children were in hospital. ‘Take Away Tuesdays’ offered an opportunity for families to have a hot meal for parents and children, and time chatting with the volunteers. This was recently increased to a fortnightly event. In 2018 alone the volunteers provided dinner for 1,416 families staying in Evelina House.
Business in Action Award
The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) , Hackney Volunteer Centre (Hackney)- Based in Hackney, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) are supporting their local community by creating a partnership with the local volunteer centre. This model has been incredibly effective as their staff are given a variety of volunteering options, including working with mental health charities. The volunteer centre can recommend those organisations in the greatest need of support.
Zendesk (Multiple Boroughs)- The Zendesk Neighbour Foundation was founded on the belief that the best relationships are rooted in empathy. Their focus for community volunteering is addressing homelessness, poverty, and promoting technical literacy. In 2018 Zendesk gave 1,200 hours back to their local community and, as a company, staff volunteered 17,199 hours.
Long Service Awards
Eleanor Kinnear (Richmond upon Thames) for 25 years devoted to the Integrated Neurological Services Charity.
Vivienne Belgrave (Wandsworth) for 28 years at the Tooting Age UK Activity Centre, Wandsworth.
Winston Belgrave (Wandsworth) for 29 years at the Age UK Activity Centre in Wandsworth
Christopher King (Southwark) for 24 years volunteering with Homestart Southwark
Emdad Rahman (Tower Hamlets) for 25 years volunteering with sporting projects and homelessness initiatives
Barbara Gates (Greenwich) for more than 30 years with the Middle Park Estate community centre in Greenwich
Build Up Hackney (Hackney) volunteers are at the forefront of decision making at Build Up Hackney. They have created opportunities in design, construction and project leadership for more than 60 young people, bringing together and sharing skills across schools, businesses and the local community