Animal lover Adam’s empathy came above all else when he rescued a lost and distressed dog at risk of injury on the roads around Wandsworth Common. Adam put little Woody’s wellbeing first as he alerted road users, caught the frightened pet and made sure he was reunited with his owners, despite being bitten and needing hospital treatment.

“Bravery, compassion and understanding” are words used to describe James, who drew on his lived experience of suicide to help someone in crisis on the tracks at Wandsworth Town railway station last year. His quick thinking and passion for supporting those in distress helped James save a person’s life that day.

Serving in the Ukrainian army for many years including during the country’s full-scale invasion in 2022, it would have been understandable for Pavlo to struggle with daily life. But Pavlo has used his experiences to fill his life with actions to help others - from working with autistic children, to volunteering at Estate Art in Roehampton, running a Ukrainian charity, and even sharing health advice with colleagues and friends.

Asli’s quiet determination to make a difference to trauma survivors has made a huge impact at charity Hestia, which supports adults and children who’ve experienced crisis such as domestic abuse and modern slavery. As well as directly impacting on fundraising for the charity through her work on events, Asli has inspired others to share their voices to ignite change.

Daniel’s positive energy and commitment bring a sense of joy to Tooting Community Kitchen’s foodbank and street stalls. Always hardworking, cheerful and approachable, Daniel combines regular volunteering at Tooting Community Kitchen and local charity Little Village with a full-time job – his dedication is tireless in the face of a challenge.

Coordinating the annual Battersea Poppy Appeal – run by the Royal British Legion to raise vital funds for members of the Armed Forces, their families and veterans – is no mean feat. John’s work over more than a decade has helped grow the fundraising effort and bring it into the digital age, with more than £32,000 raised in 2024 – up by more than a third on the year before.

Almost 15 years as part of the Furzedown Annual Charity Events (FACE) fundraising group means Alan has been crucial in supporting local good causes including St George’s Hospital, Wandsworth Amateur Swimming Association’s disability programme, and South London Motor Neurone Disease Association. Alan goes the extra mile by welcoming guests into his own back garden for the FACE Summer Garden Gig event – helping raise even more cash for local charities.

Using her artistic flair, Lucy has inspired countless people to embrace upcycling and rethink waste by developing an engaging social media presence for charity Work and Play Scrapstore, which now tips 35,000 followers on Instagram. Lucy’s passion for reducing waste, promoting creativity, and supporting local communities has already left a positive mark on Wandsworth as the charity collects scrap materials from businesses and makes them available to schools, community groups, and individuals for creative reuse.

Described as “warm, patient and professional”, Mita is a beacon for older people in the borough in her role as a volunteer at Age UK Wandsworth. Championing inclusion and cultural representation through establishing a community group for Asian women, Mita has also designed her own scam awareness presentation specifically tailored for older people.

As one of the co-founders of the influential LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall in the 1980s, Lee has dedicated much of his life to standing up for equality at a local, national, and global level, covering issues from anti-bullying to hate crime. Currently chair of the Diversity Project Charity, which helps young, disadvantaged people into careers in the City of London, Lee’s service to diversity and inclusion was formally honoured by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2023.

Supporting the bereaved and vulnerable with care, compassion and empathy, Nisar has spent more than 27 years volunteering at Balham Mosque. Helping hundreds of families through his longstanding role as funeral director and welfare officer, Nisar has also made a positive impact on education in the local area through his work as a school governor at Al-Risalah School.

Proving the value of life experience, Winston and Vivienne form the backbone of charity Hestia’s Age Activity Centre to promote community and reduce social isolation. Aged 80, Vivienne – known fondly as Mumma Viv – volunteers four days a week, while 90-year-old Winston has been volunteering for the past 29 years, with activities including bingo, choir, and film club.

Philip’s longstanding dedication to Battersea United Charities has helped thousands of local people, from disadvantaged children and families in crisis, to vulnerable older people. Chair of trustees since 2008, Philip has restructured the charity to create and grow fresh funding streams, while attracting new trustees to represent Battersea's diverse and thriving community.

With a shining smile and warm welcome, volunteer Prabha – known as Pam – epitomises the ‘Sparkle’ ethos at its four intergenerational community centres across Wandsworth. Part of Sparkle since its inception three years ago, Pam’s passion for connecting communities spans cooking, crafts, digital inclusion, sharing cultural experiences like Diwali celebrations, while always bringing her wisdom and care.

A force to be reckoned with, Wandsworth Foodbank’s 371 volunteers gave almost 14,000 hours last year to support 2,329 local households referred to the charity in hardship and hunger. Whether volunteering at one of Wandsworth Foodbank’s six welcome centres, sorting and storing many tonnes of food, or delivering emergency food parcels for people with disabilities and health conditions, they generously give their time, care, love, and energy to support local people in tough times.

“A unique ability to bring people together, create joy, and foster a true sense of community” makes Frederica one of life’s special people. The tireless foster carer has provided a loving home for more than 50 children and young people over the years, as well as volunteering at the Work and Play Scrapstore charity for two decades, helping to organise community events, support local families, and promote creativity and sustainability.

Described as a “force of nature”, Orleen’s warm heart has made her a pillar of the local community in Roehampton, where she is a Parent Champion and tirelessly campaigns on behalf of children with special educational needs and disabilities. As well as running free weekly messy play sessions for youngsters, Orleen is always willing to help at community events with her amazing face-painting skills and is a committed volunteer supporting older members of local St Joseph’s church.

Sarah’s influence from almost five decades of community involvement is evident in the lengthy list of organisations she’s supported with her trademark insight and experience – Katherine Low Settlement, Battersea Befriending Network, Wandsworth Community Empowerment Network, and more. A director of mental health charity Sound Minds since 2019, Sarah also chairs the Voluntary Sector Forum under the Wandsworth Care Alliance, focusing on health, wellbeing, and community empowerment.

Val’s vision in creating Responding to Knife Crime - an organisation devoted to supporting victims and preventing knife crime – is described as “inspirational”. As well as running regular events offering comfort, guidance, and practical advice for those grappling with the emotional and social impact of knife crime on young people, Val’s tailored primary school initiative delivered to Year 5 and 6 pupils across Wandsworth focuses on making a difference to long term community safety.

Strengthening community has been a focus for Yusuf since he fundraised to transform the former Lennox Youth Club in Roehampton into a boxing gym that launched with free fitness classes for young people earlier this year. Providing a safe and inclusive space for young girls and boys to build their confidence, learn new skills, make friends, and gain positive benefits to their physical and mental health, Yusuf has also developed links with Regenerate youth charity and Ashburton Business Forum, forging strong community connections.

The Lonely Girls Club has gone from strength to strength, thanks to Holly’s passion for creating safe and inclusive spaces for women to meet, try new activities, build friendships, and beat loneliness. Growing from five people to a community of thousands in the past almost-seven years, activities range from a monthly book club hosted in Battersea, to walk clubs, retreats, and karaoke nights.

Cultural exchange in a warm, inclusive, and joyful atmosphere is the aim for Stefania and Ilenia at their free monthly interactive Italian story time sessions at Wandsworth Town library. The duo has built community connections through their open group, which launched in June 2024, bringing families together to learn, support each other and share experiences in a multi-lingual space.

Nicola’s community spirit runs deeply through her veins – not only does she represent her church within the wider community, but she has played an important part in bringing people together around projects including Transition Town Tooting (TTT), Town Anywhere - Tooting (TA-T), Community Action for Refuges and Asylum Seekers (CARAS), and Tooting Can. Hosting a Ukrainian refugee and co-founding a Sewing and Sanctuary group that has been part of research by the Royal College of Art have added to the ways Nicola has bolstered community.

Fozia’s Happy Homes community organisation is aptly named – every one of its activities is designed to help support local people in a positive way, whether through social interaction, practical help with form-filling or digital systems, creativity, or even learning how to live more sustainably. As a respected figure in the community, Fozia is praised for her initiatives that “reflect care, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to social impact”, particularly in supporting South Asian families.

Taking steps to improve neighbourhood cleanliness and support older people means Javed has made a truly positive impact on the community. Among his projects, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) leader Javed launched the Clean Green Initiative to collect litter, while his Food for Thought programme delivered meals to isolated older people, as well as offering emotional support.

Advocating for change can be a long, hard slog, but Pam is proof that persistence pays off – with her unwavering dedication making a real difference in Roehampton’s Alton Estate. Running the weekly 60+ Cafe for more than a decade has supported numerous older people, while Pam’s involvement in the Roehampton Trust, the Roehampton Voice newsletter, and Our Roehampton showcases her commitment to local people.

Colleen has been the lynchpin of the Friends of Putney Library since the group launched in 2013 to protect, enhance and promote the role of the public space within the community. Extending far beyond a love of reading, Colleen led the group for 11 years as its chair – organising regular talks on local and historical topics, a film club and sharing a useful community bulletin.

When Ruth founded Pointe Black ballet school, she was determined no one would ever experience the discrimination she had faced as a young dancer. With dancers ranging in age from 18 months to 63 years, Ruth has helped bring dance to all members of the community through its weekly classes based in Battersea, as well as running a scholarship scheme to support those who are struggling, and producing an inclusive dance showcase for Wandsworth’s Black History 365 programme.

Music can break down barriers and foster unity, creativity and opportunity for all, believes Sahana, who founded the World Heart Beat Academy in 2009 and has overseen its growth to a base in Kimber Road and a cultural hub in Nine Elms. Around 350 children and young people attend the music academy each week for lessons and performances, while bursaries support disadvantaged young musicians, alongside a mentoring programme and industry training scheme.

Identity, community wellbeing, and cultural storytelling provide the backdrop for Tiah’s Arty-Crafty Crescent Club, which provides regular arts and crafts workshops that encourage self-expression. Tiah’s hands-on approach to bringing free and low-cost arts and crafts workshops to women, children, and neurodiverse people - particularly from Muslim, migrant, and refugee backgrounds – helps support under-represented voices.

“I felt like I can actually change this world” was the feedback from one young pupil who took part in Benedict’s Climate Ed programme, which teaches children about climate change and empowers them to take action on the issue. Trained teacher Benedict’s Climate Ed charity has now worked with 26 Wandsworth primary schools, reaching around 2,600 pupils, and in June 2025 he was awarded the Royal Meteorological Society’s annual Education Award for making an outstanding contribution to teaching related to atmosphere and the weather.

Launching charity Critical Support during the Covid-19 pandemic to help tackle food poverty, Janneke’s perseverance has translated into four tonnes of food collected every week benefitting more than 10,000 people across Wandsworth and neighbouring boroughs. Each year, hundreds of tonnes of food waste is prevented as the produce collected by Critical Support helps at least 25 community organisations, including soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, refugee centres, and domestic violence charities.

Serena might have already helped prevent 1,1167kg of waste and 6,284kg of CO2 emissions through running the Southfields Mend, Fix and Repair Cafe, but it’s the culture shift she’s sparked in her local area that is set to have a long-term environmental impact. Since launching in 2022, hundreds of people get involved with the repair cafe’s regular open sessions each year, sharing repair skills, learning tips and techniques and passing on their knowledge to family and friends – directly reducing waste and helping tackle climate change.

Janae’s “infectious energy” has helped her to become a role model for young people across the borough, as she’s advocated for local issues within the Wandsworth Youth Council, as well as supporting her peers at Kimber Skate Park, within school, and at Tooting Family Hub. A recent trip to Parliament and being shortlisted in the London Youth Achievement Awards have boosted 16-year-old Janae’s passion for helping other young people.

Kyla’s transformation over the past year has been mammoth, as she conquered a lack of self-belief to take part in the Regenerate Ride 1000 cycle challenge from London to Venice for charity, as well as training as a barista with Wandsworth social enterprise Feel Good. Working in childcare alongside her contributions to the local community, 17-year-old Kyla is described as “empathetic, caring and reliable”.

Compassion, courage and creativity shine through when describing Lamees, who has overcome health challenges to advocate for the Wandsworth Youth Bus – a mobile youth centre on the road six days a week – as well as helping design the new Block A youth space in Roehampton. The 17-year-old has been a Young Ambassador for the past three years, and has led on empowering other youngsters to share their voice on community issues.