Kingston recognises volunteers at the Celebrating Communities Awards

The event, now in its second year, honoured the remarkable efforts of volunteers and community groups from across the borough. More than 250 guests gathered at All Saints Church in Kingston to recognise and celebrate individuals and teams who go above and beyond in serving their communities.

The event was hosted by Louise Footner, Executive Director of Residents and Communities, Kingston Council, and Sanja Djeric Kane, CEO, Kingston Voluntary Action.

About the event, Louise said:

"The Celebrating Community Awards are really special. It’s great to see so many people who give so much to Kingston being recognised. The range of activities that people are involved in is really inspiring - we are so lucky to have so many people who care so much about our borough and the people who live here."

Sanja said:

"In Kingston, we are lucky to have a longstanding and healthy volunteering culture; one we need to look after and recognise as our borough's volunteers are a shining example to all of us of what life can be like if we engage more with people and the community around us - happier, healthier, more fulfilling and compassionate."

There were seven award categories this year, including Unsung Hero, Community Fundraiser, Young Volunteer and Community Team:

Award Winners:

• Unsung Hero Award - Mary Swanson and Eileen Wingrove, Princess Alice Hospice
• Working in Partnership Award - Milaap Community Inspiration Team
• Young Volunteer Award - Jake Garside, Kingston Carers Network
• Volunteer Impact Award - Martel Atterbury, Mencap
• Community Fundraiser Award - Odette Battarel, Kingston Association for the Blind
• Community Team Award - TAG Youth Club for Disabled Young People
• Lifetime Achievement Award - John Mays, Kingston Carers Network

Highly Commended:

• Working in Partnership Award - The Women's Hub
• Young Volunteer Award - Emily Reekie, Voices of Hope
• Volunteer Impact Award - Anshul Gupta, Namaste Kingston
• Community Fundraiser Award - Jan Feist - Royal British Legion
• Community Team Award - Volunteers at Kingston's Winter Night Shelter for rough sleepers

The awards ceremony took place as part of Communities Month, a month which gives us all a chance to celebrate the people who help build community resilience and make our borough a greener, fairer and safer place to live. Communities Month began with the launch of Kingston's new Volunteering Strategy for 2025-2029. Take a look at our dedicated Communities Month pages to find out more about some of Kingston's community heroes.

You can view the full photo album from the evening on Flickr.