2020 Civic Awards winner, Dr Amit Patel
2020 Civic Awards winner, Dr Amit Patel

Published: Tuesday, 11th January 2022

With nominations now open for the Royal Borough of Greenwich Civic Awards, it’s time to shine a light on local heroes.   

 The awards recognise those making a difference to their communities, whether that’s a resident helping a neighbour, a person who has shown exceptional bravery or an organisation providing much-needed support.  

Previous winners include: PCSO Henry Lawton, who held a theft suspect until other officers attended the scene, despite being injured himself; Dr Amit Patel, who, since losing his own sight in 2013, has tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with impaired vision; and Vera O’ Brian, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to the local community. Vera’s children, Ian, Margaret and Karen collected her award on her behalf after she sadly passed away.   

Residents are now invited to name their local hero of 2022, whether that is an individual or organisation who they feel have made an outstanding contribution to the community.  

The award categories are: Good Neighbour; Young Persons Outstanding Achievement; Volunteer; Community; Sporting Achievement; Teacher/Teaching Assistant; Arts and Entertainment; Act of Courage; Lifetime Achievement.  

Winners will receive their honours at a special ceremony at Woolwich Town Hall on Thursday 17 March.  

Councillor Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “The Civic Awards are a brilliant way to celebrate the people and organisations who make a real difference to our community, and what a year it has been for Greenwich. From the hundreds of volunteers who have been supporting the vaccination programme to the work of our many small - but vital - community groups, we can’t wait to get together and shine a light on the incredible people that make up #TeamGreenwich.” 

"If you know someone whose hard work and dedication deserves to be recognised, don't forget to nominate them for an award. These local heroes are the kind of people that make ours a wonderful borough in which to work and live, and a place that we can all be proud of.” 

Nominations are now closed.