Described as being ‘the spirit of the borough’, it was a night to celebrate the people of Royal Greenwich at this year’s Civic Awards at Woolwich Town Hall on Friday 6 March.
The 2026 Awards saw 47 awards and small gifts presented on the night to neighbours, carers, leaders, to teachers, young people and sports achievers.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, who helped present the awards, said: “Our residents truly are the spirit of this borough. I was proud to shake the hands of such incredible achievers who go above and beyond to support each other, who lift the spirits of the community and who ask nothing for it.
“This year we saw an incredible 234 nominations representing people from all walks of life, all faiths, all backgrounds. They show what this borough knows and understands so well: compassion and kindness is universal.
“Thank you to the nominators for bringing these remarkable people the recognition they deserve.”
Councillor Linda Bird, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “Our 2026 Civic Awards winners have really shown us just how selfless our communities are.
“From community organisers tackling isolation to volunteers supporting elderly residents or inspiring children – each winner has made an incredible impact to local lives.
“It has been my honour this year to include a new category for unpaid carers. These incredible people balance extraordinary personal responsibility without asking for rewards, glory or thanks. While we may have selected three winners, there are thousands of inspiring unpaid carers supporting loved ones, friends, or neighbours across the borough, and to you – we say thank you.”
The event in Woolwich Town Hall was sponsored by Lbox Communications, and an anonymous local business.
A complete list of winners can be found below, with a short summary of their impact on the community of Royal Greenwich.
Leader’s Special Achievement Award:
- Robyn Heath (Deputy Headteacher of Wyborne Primary School): A dedicated teacher and leader with bold ideas that prepare children for the future. With her Disney Musical in Schools getting national recognition for its positive impact on children.
Mayor’s Special Achievement Award:
- Rachel Harrison, Headteacher, teachers and staff of Willow Dene School: A transformative headteacher and team guiding one of Greenwich’s most vital special education schools while shaping the boroughs SEND provision.
Community Awards:
- Eltham Sheds: A voluntary and non-profit organisation that provides a sociable and purposeful hub for people who might otherwise be isolated.
- Emmie’s Books (Lindsay and Andy McPartland): Inspired by their daughter’s own journey, created a charity that brings comfort to children facing cancer treatment.
- Hussam Lone: A dentist who volunteers in his free time to provide dental care and advice to people experiencing homelessness across Greenwich.
- Janet and Peter Ley: Founders of the Reflections Group, offering friendship and practical support to people living with dementia and their carers.
- Louise Barnett: A specialist exercise tutor whose Parkinson’s classes help residents stay active and independent.
- Mark Smith: Founder of Dice on the Hill, a community tabletop gaming group that tackles isolation and builds friendships across generations.
- Nana Sapooma Adjei and the Love Soup Café: Nana Sapooma Adjei, together with other volunteers, run a weekly kitchen in Thamesmead that brings together residents through warm meals.
- Philomena Chipman: A dedicated member of the community who supports homeless residents and hosts weekly gatherings to build connections.
- Rahman Famuditimi: A volunteer coach helping young people get involved with Greenwich District Football Team whatever their finances. Plus, an ambassador who supports tenants in L&Q Housing.
- Rashmee Roshan Lall: A neighbourhood organiser who unites residents through local events, clean ups and getting them engaged with their communities.
- Shannia Gordon: The founder of Power Mobile Gym, running mentoring and boxing programmes that have supported thousands of young people.
- Smile of Hope (Steve and Sandra Roebuck): A volunteer-led support system for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses, working on fundraising and community partnerships.
Young Person’s Outstanding Achievement Awards:
- Ivy Willmette: A sixth former who started and runs a first aid club at her school while volunteering as a sailing instructor with Sea Cadets.
- Michael Wheeler Ashurst: A long-standing youth volunteer supporting community safety, food banks and violence prevention programmes.
- Ruby Thapa: A committed young fundraiser who has supported elders in the Gurkha community for over a decade while raising thousands for community causes.
Environment Champion Award:
- Felicity Kerridge: The founder of Clean Up Charlton, organising regular litter-picks and building a growing network of environmental volunteers.
Unpaid Carers Awards:
- Nicholas Rainey: A caring community advocate who helped carers get much needed respite breaks, social opportunities and support for carers across Greenwich.
- Vic Hamilton: A long-time carer who advocates nationally for unpaid carers while supporting fellow carers in his workplace and community.
- Vivien Davies: A tireless campaigner who works to give a voice to parents and carers of disabled and autistic adults.
Good Neighbour Award:
- Titilayo Olujomoye: A neighbour whose consistent kindness, generosity and quiet support strengthens the sense of community in her street.
Teacher or Teacher Assistant of the Year Award:
- Leighann Hickmott, Willow Dene School: A dedicated teaching assistant who goes above and beyond to support children and families, making an impact beyond school walls.
Volunteers Award
- Alex Bienkov: A lifelong Scout leader whose six decades of service have shaped generations of young people.
- Daisy Jane White: A community fundraiser who provides Christmas hampers and gifts to families, hospital patients and those in need.
- Debbie Sandringham: A school governor and volunteer who continues to support pupils with reading and learning, well into their 80s.
- Lesley Walmsley: A Home-Start volunteer who empowers vulnerable parents through compassionate and accessible support.
- Siba Kumari (Shimmy) Pun: A long-standing volunteer who supports elderly and Gurkha residents with appointments, paperwork and anything they may need help with.
- Sue Fuller: A community hub volunteer who offers practical help, warm conversation and connection to those who need it most.
- Timothy Cave: Founder of the East Greenwich Legal Advice Clinic, providing free legal advice to residents who cannot afford representation.
Arts and Entertainment Awards:
- Amy Hagerty: Director of the Greenwich Academy of Music and Drama, providing inclusive musical opportunities for hundreds of residents each year.
- Bob Hope Theatre (led by Jim Shepherd): A volunteer-run theatre livening up culture through productions, performances and community involvement.
- Greenwich Music School (Ed and Bethan Scolding): Founders of a thriving music school supporting learners of all ages across schools and community centres.
Sporting Achievement Awards:
- George Holland: An expert in judo who has overcome medical challenges to compete, referee and represent Greenwich through his skill.
- Miriam Lowe-Ullah: A British Taekwondo Para Poomsae athlete and national champion proving that disability is no barrier to sporting excellence.
- The Core Volunteers, Greenwich Peninsula Parkrun: A volunteer team delivering free weekly 5k events attended by thousands of local residents of all fitness levels.
Act of Courage Awards:
- PC Rhafaela Aliprandi and PC Simon Thomas: Police officers who demonstrated exceptional bravery in climbing unstable scaffolding to save a life, risking their own safety to step up in a crisis.
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Avril Martin: An advocate for carers and people with learning difficulties, dedicating over five decades of service to helping improve outcomes.
- Brian Kennedy and Monsurat Ademurewa Kennedy: Foster carers who have provided unwavering stability, empathy and guidance to children in need.
- Chris Harrison: A musician and community leader who has brought people together through music and fundraising for over 50 years.
- Dr Mary Mills: An industrial historian and former councillor who has helped preserve Greenwich’s heritage for decades.
- Helen McIntosh: A businesswoman who has championed employer engagement and opportunity for young people who have been in care.
- John Mills: Former chair of Shrewsbury House Community Association who led the organisation through financial crisis and to long-term stability.
- Lesley Davis: An advocate supporting families of children with autism through complex education systems and tribunal cases for over 30 years.
- Ronnie Wilson MBE: Recently retired CEO of First Step Trust, transforming pathways to employment.
- Sue Redford: A volunteer who has spent her life supporting young people, through running a Boys Brigade Group and vulnerable residents through church and community projects.
- Kulvinder Rayat and Ameen Hussain MBE: Sadly, Ameen passed away last month, but his family were present at the Awards, as his lifelong work alongside Kulvinder continues to inspire. Kulvinder remains a strong community leader whose work in equality since the 1990s, while also supporting senior citizens and working on digital inclusion projects.