We have chosen our shortlist of local people who you have told us deserve a Wandsworth Civic Award.
You can read all about each selected nominee by clicking the black down arrow for each category.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 26 November, the event is free but tickets are limited and you must have a ticket to attend. Book yours now
3
Bravery Award
Benson Xala
Description
What began as a routine trip to take out the bins turned into a terrifying encounter with two parcel thieves, one armed with what appeared to be a knife. Despite being threatened and injured, Benson showed remarkable courage, helping to delay the offenders until neighbours could respond. His actions led to the recovery of almost all stolen parcels, including vital medication, and brought residents together in the face of adversity.
Marsel Fishti
Description
As an ESOL student still learning English, Marsel could easily have stayed silent when a classmate was subjected to racial abuse. Instead, he showed remarkable courage by standing up for his peer and helping report the incident. He later showed the same compassion when assisting an injured elderly man, staying by his side until help arrived. Through quiet acts of bravery and kindness, Marsel has become a powerful example of standing up for others, whatever the circumstances.
Roxana Sutharsan
Description
With immense courage, Roxana played a vital role in helping her family escape domestic abuse and build a safer future. Acting as a voice for family members facing language barriers, she worked closely with professionals while supporting her mother and younger siblings through an incredibly challenging period. Despite her own circumstances, Roxana continued to excel at school and volunteer in her community including with UNICEF as an ambassador. Her resilience, compassion and determination have changed lives and inspired those around her.
4
Charity Champion
Barbara Littlechild
Description
For more than 30 years, Barbara has been at the heart of Girlguiding in Wandsworth, helping generations of local girls grow in confidence, build friendships and learn lifelong skills. Alongside leading her own Brownie and Guide units, she oversees dozens more across the borough, supporting volunteers and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. Her dedication, enthusiasm and unwavering commitment have made her a much-loved figure in the community and an inspiration to countless girls and volunteers alike.
Janneke Diemel
Description
What began as an emergency response during the pandemic has, under Janneke’s leadership, grown into one of south west London’s most impactful charities. Through Critical Support, she has helped rescue thousands of tonnes of surplus food, delivering the equivalent of more than 570,000 meals each year to people facing hardship. Her tireless commitment to tackling food poverty, reducing waste and bringing charities together has transformed lives across the community and created a lasting legacy of compassion and collaboration.
Kim Perlow
Description
Ten years ago, Kim Perlow started a simple idea in Battersea: connecting skilled professionals with small charities that need expertise but cannot afford it. That idea became Link UP London, supporting hundreds of grassroots organisations tackling poverty, mental health, youth disadvantage and social isolation. Through Kim’s leadership, more than £1.1 million worth of professional skills has been donated to charities across London. Rooted in Wandsworth, her work has strengthened the organisations that support residents every day, creating a lasting legacy of opportunity, partnership and community action.
Power to Connect Volunteers
Description
Behind every refurbished laptop and digital skills session is a team of volunteers helping ensure no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world. Since 2020, they have redistributed thousands of devices, supported hundreds of residents to build confidence online, and opened doors to education, employment and vital services. Through their kindness, expertise and dedication, they have transformed unwanted technology into life-changing opportunities and helped create a more connected, inclusive Wandsworth.
3
Charity Champion - Fostering Inclusive Communities
Jackie Slaughter
Description
For the past four years, Jackie Slaughter has been a driving force behind SEND Parent Carers in Wandsworth, ensuring families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities feel heard, supported and represented. As a volunteer leader, she has helped shape services, champion under-represented voices and improve outcomes for families across the borough. Jackie also founded the popular Ready, Steady...Go! event, which connects parents with dozens of local support services, making a lasting difference to SEND families navigating complex systems.
Manuel Button
Description
For 40 years, Manuel Button has dedicated his life to helping older and disabled residents stay connected, independent and active. Under his leadership, Wandsworth Community Transport grew from a handful of vehicles into a thriving charity supporting thousands of people across the borough. From pioneering accessible transport services and nationally recognised driver training to tackling loneliness through shopping trips, days out and community activities, Manuel’s impact has been felt far beyond Wandsworth. His work has transformed lives, built lasting friendships and helped countless residents remain part of their community.
SEND Parent Carers in Wandsworth
Description
Run entirely by volunteers with lived experience, SEND Parent Carers in Wandsworth has become a powerful voice for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Through events, advocacy and partnership working, the charity helps shape local services, ensures families are heard, and supports parents navigating complex systems. From championing inclusive education to engaging under-represented communities, its work is creating lasting change and helping SEND children and young people across Wandsworth feel supported, included and able to thrive.
3
Charity Champion - Health & Wellbeing Impact
Chloe Huttner
Description
For the past four years, Chloe has brought joy, friendship and confidence to older residents through her volunteer dance sessions with Age Well Roehampton. Thoughtfully adapting every class so people of all abilities can take part, she has created a welcoming space where participants stay active, build connections and have fun together. Her warmth and dedication have helped reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing and foster friendships that extend far beyond the dance floor.
Georgia Barrett
Description
Georgia Barrett is the founder of The Strength Project CIC and is a passionate advocate for women, children and families affected by domestic abuse. Through education, early intervention and practical support, she has created safe, empowering spaces where survivors can rebuild confidence, access vital services and move forward with hope. She has secured funding to keep support free, delivered healthy relationships and wellbeing programmes, and built strong partnerships across the community. Her work has strengthened local support networks, raised awareness of domestic abuse and helped countless individuals develop the resilience and confidence to thrive.
Sid Khan
Description
For more than 30 years, Sid has been the driving force behind Earlsfield Boxing Club, giving up countless evenings, weekends and his own resources to support local people. Through the club, he has created a welcoming place where generations of young people have built confidence, discipline and a sense of belonging. His tireless dedication has helped steer many away from difficult paths, proving the lasting difference one committed volunteer can make to a community.
3
Charity Champion - Supporting Older People
Dawn Killeen
Description
For many older residents across Battersea, Dawn Killeen is a lifeline. Through years of dedicated volunteering, she has brought companionship, comfort and dignity to people living with frailty, dementia and isolation. Whether visiting care homes, supporting families or advocating for vulnerable residents, Dawn goes above and beyond to ensure no one feels forgotten. Often the only regular visitor for those she supports, her kindness and commitment have touched countless lives, making a lasting difference to older people and their families across Wandsworth.
Natalie De Silva
Description
Through her work with Age UK Wandsworth, Natalie has become a passionate advocate for older residents, helping people stay connected, supported and independent. Driven by compassion and a commitment to tackling loneliness and isolation, she has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for older people to engage with their community and access vital support. By bringing together residents, volunteers and local organisations, Natalie has helped build stronger support networks across the borough, making a meaningful difference to the lives and wellbeing of countless older people.
Rosemary O'Neill
Description
For the past four years, Rosemary has been the heart of Hestia's Age Activity Centre, bringing warmth, kindness and companionship to older residents. Whether welcoming members with a smile, supporting those living with dementia, or staying behind to help wherever needed, she always puts others first. Her compassion and good humour have created a true sense of belonging, making the centre a brighter, friendlier place for everyone who walks through its doors.
8
Community Champion
Garry Nicholls
Description
Garry has become a driving force behind Critical Support, helping ensure food and essential supplies reach some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents. What began as volunteering as a driver has grown into a wider role supporting warehouse operations, mentoring volunteers and building relationships with community organisations. Always willing to step up when needed, Garry’s kindness, humility and dedication have helped strengthen community support networks and made a real difference to countless lives across Wandsworth.
Hilary Jennings
Description
For almost two decades, Hilary has been at the heart of community life in Tooting, bringing people together through sustainability projects, repair cafés, community events and local partnerships. A founding member of Transition Town Tooting, she has helped build lasting connections between residents, charities and community groups while championing environmental action in a welcoming and inclusive way. Her energy, vision and gift for connecting people have strengthened community spirit and inspired countless local initiatives.
Nicole Henworth
Description
Nicole has become a driving force for community connection in Tooting, creating opportunities for residents, charities, businesses and young people to come together and thrive. Through her work at Tooting Works and Business Launchpad, she has transformed a community hub into a vibrant space supporting everyone from refugees and neurodivergent residents to aspiring entrepreneurs. Alongside seven years of volunteering with Tooting Community Kitchen, she has championed inclusion, built powerful local partnerships and created a genuine sense of belonging that continues to strengthen the community.
Orleen Mcintosh
Description
For more than a decade, Orleen has been a driving force for good in Roehampton, bringing people together through her boundless energy, compassion and community spirit. From supporting SEND families as a Parent Champion to running free Messy Play sessions and founding the Alton Explorers Club, she has created opportunities for children and families to connect, learn and thrive. Whether organising activities, supporting older residents or volunteering at local events, Orleen’s warmth and dedication have touched countless lives and strengthened the community she proudly calls home.
Sandra Munoz-Alvarez
Description
Sandra is a tireless champion for her community, always finding ways to connect people, create opportunities and shine a spotlight on local success stories. Over the past year, she has gone above and beyond to support community groups, promote local initiatives and help turn ideas into reality. Most recently, she played a key role in reopening a local community hall through Kambala Community Alliance CIC, creating a welcoming space for residents to access activities, learn new skills and come together. Her energy, generosity and commitment have made a lasting impact on the local community.
Seb Holliday-Springer
Description
Seb has helped turn the East Hill Estate into a true community. From organising litter picks and transforming shared spaces with gardening projects to bringing neighbours together for football screenings and community gatherings, he is always finding ways to connect people. Just as importantly, he is the person who quietly steps in when help is needed, whether reporting local issues or lending a hand to a neighbour. Through his care, energy and generosity, Seb has made the estate a greener, friendlier and more welcoming place to live.
Sheree Pinheiro
Description
Sheree has transformed lives across Wandsworth through her work with Citizens Advice Wandsworth and Community Empowerment Network, empowering residents and strengthening community-led support. She has built a thriving network of community advocates, organised impactful events, and championed collaboration on key local issues. Alongside supporting vulnerable individuals through mental health initiatives, she volunteers through church outreach, homelessness support, and food banks. Respected for her compassion, humility, and leadership, Sheree has made a lasting difference to countless people across the borough.
Tahir Shams
Description
Recognising the need for connection after the pandemic, Tahir founded Tooting Run Club with a simple goal: bringing people together through movement. What started as a small local initiative has grown into a thriving community of hundreds of runners and volunteers. Under Tahir’s leadership, the club has become a place where strangers become friends, confidence grows and people find a genuine sense of belonging. His energy, vision and commitment have helped make Wandsworth a healthier, kinder and more connected community.
5
Community Champion - Inclusion and Empowerment
Aurnela Madede
Description
Through Sanctuary for Sisterhood, Aurnela has created a welcoming community where women can connect, build confidence and support one another. By bringing people together through wellbeing activities, workshops and peer support, she has helped reduce isolation and foster a strong sense of belonging. Her commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces has empowered women from a wide range of backgrounds to form lasting friendships, develop new skills and become active members of their local community.
Fozia Riaz
Description
For more than a decade, Fozia Riaz has been bringing people together, helping women and families build confidence, friendships and a stronger sense of belonging. Through Happy Homes Community, she has created welcoming spaces where people can learn new skills, improve their wellbeing and become active in community life. Her support has helped many women overcome isolation, gain independence and discover new opportunities. Through her compassion, encouragement and tireless dedication, Fozia has empowered others to thrive and give back to their community.
Hina Usman Ghani
Description
Driven by a passion for bringing people together, Hina Usman Ghani has created welcoming spaces where women and families can build confidence, learn new skills and feel part of their community. Through Bridges to Change Community Empowerment Network CIC, she has supported hundreds of residents, particularly refugees, migrants and vulnerable families, helping them overcome isolation and access vital support. From coffee mornings and wellbeing sessions to environmental projects and community trips, Hina’s compassion and leadership have empowered people to connect, thrive and support one another.
Natalie Price
Description
Inspired by the belief that food brings people together, Natalie founded The Cockney Kitchen to create a welcoming space where women from different backgrounds could connect, build confidence and form lasting friendships. What started as a community cooking project has grown into a thriving network of support, helping women develop new skills, gain qualifications and rediscover their potential. Through shared meals, mentorship and a passion for healthy, affordable food, Natalie has fostered a powerful sense of belonging and opportunity across Roehampton.
Peggy Moylan
Description
For more than a decade, Peggy has been a constant source of support, kindness and encouragement for residents across Wandsworth. Through free food support, community celebrations, wellbeing activities and one-to-one guidance, she has helped countless individuals and families through difficult times. Whether assisting with housing and benefits, organising inclusive events or simply offering a listening ear, Peggy brings people together and creates a strong sense of belonging. Her compassion, generosity and unwavering commitment have made her a trusted figure at the heart of the community.
4
Community Champion - Supporting Young People
Chris Hayes
Description
For more than 30 years, Chris Hayes has been the heart of 5th Putney Sea Scouts, inspiring generations of young people to build confidence, resilience and lifelong friendships. Despite facing significant health challenges, he has continued to lead sessions, camps and community events with unwavering dedication. From fundraising and mentoring volunteers to creating opportunities for thousands of local children, Chris has helped shape a stronger, more connected community. His selfless commitment has left a lasting mark on Putney and the lives of countless young people and families.
Peter Anthony
Description
Peter played a pivotal role in saving Roehampton Playing Fields for future generations. As a founding member of the Roehampton Playing Fields Trust, he brought people together to protect a much-loved community asset that was facing decline. Through his leadership, determination and fundraising efforts, the trust secured planning permission and funding to transform the site. Thanks to Peter’s vision, more than 1,000 local children each week can continue to benefit from sport, recreation and community activities in a thriving local space.
Renee Tonkin
Description
Through her Science Owl workshops, Renee has inspired hundreds of children across Wandsworth to explore science, creativity and environmental action. Delivering free sessions in local libraries, she brings families together through hands-on learning, from reinventing broken objects to tackling climate challenges through invention and storytelling. Her enthusiasm and imagination help children build confidence, develop new skills and see themselves as problem-solvers. By creating positive experiences in community spaces, Renee is fostering curiosity, creativity and a lasting connection to learning.
William Ankumu
Description
For nearly 20 years, William has been a role model for young people in Ashburton through the Chelsea FC Kicks programme. Having joined as a participant before becoming a coach, he understands first-hand the power of community and opportunity. Through his leadership, encouragement and genuine care, he has helped countless young people build confidence, develop resilience and believe in their potential. More than a coach, William is a trusted mentor whose dedication has helped create a stronger, safer and more connected community.
5
Cultural Champion
Bill Marney
Description
What started as a local music project in Roehampton has grown into a life-changing opportunity for hundreds of young people. Through SW15 Music, Bill Marney has helped make music education free, inclusive and accessible to all, giving young people the chance to learn instruments, form bands and perform on stages ranging from local community events to Glastonbury Festival. His passion for nurturing talent, creativity and confidence has opened doors for countless young musicians and enriched Wandsworth’s cultural life.
Nicholas Scipioni
Description
Nicholas has transformed Two Little Giraffes from a popular local gelateria into a vibrant community and cultural hub in Nine Elms. By offering free exhibition space to local artists, community groups and residents, he has made creativity accessible to all and created new opportunities for people to showcase their work. Through exhibitions, community partnerships and local events, Nicholas has built a welcoming space where art, culture and community come together, helping strengthen connections and celebrate the diversity of the neighbourhood.
Roopa Basu
Description
Through We Art Wandsworth, Roopa Basu brought together artists, community groups, cultural organisations and residents from across the borough to celebrate creativity on an unprecedented scale. Reaching more than 1,300 people, the programme created opportunities for residents to make, exhibit and experience art in community spaces and major cultural venues alike. By championing both professional and community artists, Roopa helped build new connections, showcase local talent and create a stronger shared cultural identity for Wandsworth
Ruth Essel
Description
Through Pointe Black Ballet, Ruth is transforming who sees themselves represented in classical ballet. By creating inclusive, nurturing spaces for Black and underrepresented dancers, she has opened doors for countless young people to develop their talent, confidence and creativity. Combining high-quality ballet training with cultural identity, wellbeing and self-expression, Pointe Black challenges traditional perceptions of the art form while celebrating Black excellence. Through performances, workshops and community projects across Wandsworth, Ruth is inspiring the next generation and creating a lasting legacy of representation and cultural pride.
Sprout Community Arts
Description
Sprout Community Arts has found a simple but powerful way to make art accessible to everyone. Through its pioneering Art Loans scheme, members can borrow original artworks for free, bringing creativity into their homes and making art part of everyday life. The initiative supports local artists, encourages residents to engage with the arts, and inspires new audiences to discover the joy of original artwork. Run entirely by volunteers, it has helped strengthen Wandsworth’s creative community while making culture more accessible, welcoming and inclusive.
4
Environmental Hero
Janneke Diemel
Description
Janneke has shown that supporting people and protecting the planet can go hand in hand. Through her leadership of Critical Support, more than five tonnes of surplus food are rescued every week, preventing waste while helping thousands of people across South West London. By championing food redistribution, introducing an electric delivery vehicle and embedding sustainable practices throughout the charity, she has created a model that delivers lasting environmental and social benefits for the community.
Lila Palmer
Description
Lila has transformed an underused corner of Roehampton into a thriving community garden where children and families can connect with nature, learn new skills and develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment. Through hands-on gardening sessions, she teaches everything from growing food and composting to biodiversity and sustainable living. Her dedication has created a valued green space for residents with limited access to nature, inspiring environmental responsibility while strengthening community connections.
Recycle More Southfields
Description
Since 2021, Recycle More Southfields has helped make sustainable living a practical part of everyday life. Run entirely by volunteers, the initiative provides local recycling solutions for hard-to-recycle items while encouraging residents to reduce waste, reuse materials and make more sustainable choices. Through collection points, community events and education programmes, it has diverted significant amounts of waste from landfill and inspired hundreds of households to embrace greener ways of living.
Renee Tonkin
Description
Through her innovative Broken Umbrella Challenge, Renee has transformed waste into opportunity. By encouraging children to reinvent broken toys and household items into new creations, she brings environmental action, science and creativity together in an inspiring way. Working with local libraries, schools and charity shops, she has helped hundreds of young people see waste differently while promoting reuse, circular economy principles and hands-on climate education. Her work is proving that small ideas can create big environmental change.
7
Young Person of the Year
Aleesa Ahmad
Description
Aleesa has made a positive contribution to her community through volunteering, supporting local families and helping others feel welcome and included. From assisting with donations at Little Village to volunteering at community events, she approaches everything with kindness and enthusiasm. Respected by both her peers and teachers, Aleesa combines academic dedication with a genuine commitment to helping others. Her integrity, compassion and positive influence make her an outstanding role model for young people.
Ibtihal Ahmed
Description
At just 14 years old, Ibtihal has used her creativity to make a real difference to younger children in her community. Through art sessions at Elays Youth Club, she has helped young people express themselves, build confidence and connect with others in a positive and supportive environment. Her ability to inspire, encourage and include children of all abilities demonstrates maturity beyond her years. Ibtihal’s creativity, leadership and commitment to others make her an exceptional young person.
Isabella Reynolds
Description
Despite balancing her studies, employment and caring responsibilities at home, Isabella continues to show remarkable resilience, determination and compassion. A talented sports coach and mentor, she supports younger athletes while excelling in her own studies and training for the London Marathon in aid of Cancer Research. Having overcome personal challenges with positivity and strength, Isabella inspires those around her through her leadership, work ethic and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
Malvina Yzeiri
Description
Malvina has demonstrated outstanding leadership, kindness and community spirit through her work both inside and outside college. From volunteering with local charities to representing her fellow students as a Class Representative and Student Ambassador, she consistently puts others first. Her empathy, confidence and willingness to speak up on behalf of her peers have helped create a supportive and inclusive environment. Malvina’s dedication to helping others and improving her community makes her a deserving nominee.
Saffron Williams
Description
Saffron is a passionate advocate for deaf and disabled young people, using her voice to help create a more inclusive community. Whether supporting younger students, raising awareness nationally or promoting kindness as an anti-bullying ambassador, she leads by example with confidence and compassion. Her willingness to speak up, challenge barriers and encourage others has inspired those around her, making a lasting difference to her peers and demonstrating leadership well beyond her years.
Savanna Folarin
Description
Savanna has shown tremendous courage in using her experiences to raise awareness of autism and neurodiversity. Through advocacy, public speaking and involvement in community organisations across the borough, she has helped others better understand the experiences of neurodiverse young people. Her determination to overcome challenges, speak confidently about important issues and represent her community with pride has made her an inspiring role model for her peers and beyond.
Victor Thomas
Description
Victor leads with kindness, humility and a genuine commitment to helping others. Through his work improving local community spaces, supporting regeneration projects and representing fellow students as both a Course Representative and Student Ambassador, he has made a positive impact on those around him. Despite overcoming personal challenges, Victor consistently encourages, includes and supports others. His maturity, resilience and natural leadership have helped create stronger communities both inside and outside college.