On the 26th of May, Community Southwark welcomed 150 guests to Tate Modern for the annual Southwark Stars Awards, an extraordinary celebration of the community spirit which makes Southwark such a special place to live and work.
The event brought together volunteers from diverse charities and community groups, as well as representatives from Southwark Council and NHS who gathered to celebrate the dedication and skill of volunteers across 10 special categories.
Volunteer champions, category winners and their friends and family were welcomed with music from Kausary band, playing a fusion of traditional Andean and contemporary Latin sounds. Guests helped themselves to a selection of vegetarian tarts, salads and brownies provided by Electric Elephant café, a charming independent café and catering company.
The event was compared by returning master of ceremonies, Actor and Comedian, Lee Cornes who opened the night by introducing Counsellor Stephanie Cryan who described the essential work voluntary groups do.
Step Out Mentoring received the Charity of the Year award from Hadi Sharifi of Panjshir Aid, the winner of last year’s award. Step Out Mentoring offers outdoor-based 1:1 mentoring and group workshops for young people. Nikki Crane of Southwark Culture Health and Wellbeing Partnership (SCHWeP) presented the Community Group of the Year to LOVO CIC Ladies of Virtue CIC (LOVO) for their community-based group founded in 2008 to provide support services to women facing marginalisation. Their innovative method fosters a secure environment of respect, tolerance, and sisterhood in which women can seek emotional assistance and share their experiences with others.
As well as special category winners, certificates were presented to Volunteer Champions and Ambassadors, recognising the individuals and activists who make up the threads of community groups. Volunteer Champion Certificates were presented to 18 volunteers by Jeff Burnige (Peckham Settlement) and Councillor Stephanie Cryan, all of whom were nominated by the community group’s they support for their dedicated and support.
Sangeeta Leahy and Jin Lin of Southwark Public Health awarded certificates to Health Ambassadors in recognition of their dedication to supporting Southwark residents. Community Health Ambassadors is a program run by Healthwatch Southwark and Community Southwark, bringing together a network of people who support their communities to access accurate and relevant information about healthcare.
The night was closed by Michael Situ, the Mayor of Southwark who reaffirmed the importance of recognising volunteers for their skills and contributions. We hope everyone who attended had a wonderful time, and we look forward to doing it all again next year!
Community Southwark wants to thank our amazing sponsors for making this night possible. With thanks to Community Health Ambassador’s Network, Meridian West, NEC, the Peckham Settlement, Southwark Charities and Tate Modern.
Take a look at the full list of winners below!
Charity of the Year – Step Out Mentoring
Presented by Hadi Sharifi of Panshir Aid
Step Out Mentoring offers outdoor-based 1:1 mentoring and group workshops for young people. A parent, whose children benefit from the organisation’s services, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated volunteers and staff at Step Out, emphasising how they have become a lifeline for their family.
Community Group of the Year – LOVO CIC Ladies of Virtue CIC (LOVO)
Presented by Nikki Crane of Southwark Culture Health and Wellbeing Partnership (SCHWeP)
LOVO, an organisation formed in 2008, was recognised for their work providing support services to women facing marginalisation. Their innovative method fosters a secure environment of respect, tolerance, and sisterhood in which women can seek emotional assistance and share their experiences with others.
Volunteer Coordinator of the Year Award – Robert Kierle, Brunel Museum
Presented by Joni Warner of the Kid’s Network
Robert began volunteering at the Brunel Museum before becoming volunteer coordinator and staff at the museum highlighted his success in transforming the volunteering program, improving communication, and utilising volunteer’s skillsets to support their development
Young Volunteer of the Year Award – Iman Altay, Young Leader at Coin Street
Presented by Sarah Jarrad and Callum White of HMS Belfast
Laura Reynolds, volunteer coordinator describes how ‘Iman is passionate about inclusion and as a young Muslim woman her openness to share her lived experiences and visibility in a leadership role at Coin Street are an inspiration.’
Older Volunteer of the Year – Alizon, Bede House
Presented by Caroline Croft of Southwark Charities
Coordinator at Bede House, Marie Gardiner, describe Alizon as the ‘Domino Queen’ who supports adults with a learning disability to play games. Marie adds: ‘It started off as a small group of clients [and] it has now grown to a large group, who really enjoy playing and look forward to it. There is some healthy competition too.’
Disabled Volunteer of the Year – Alex Bayden, Disability Sports Coach at Community Club Southwark
Presented by Mahua Nandi of Bede House
After volunteering with Disability Sports Coach for an incredible 8 years, Alex passed his coaching qualifications and has his dream job – working as a paid sports coach with the club he joined all those years ago. He still volunteers to raise awareness of disability sport and believes ‘everyone should be able to take part in sport’.
Keib Thomas Active Citizen Award – Scott Johnson founder of Proper Blokes Club
Presented by Madhumita Bose, Artist and Wife of Keib Thomas
The Keib Thomas Award is given in the memory of Southwark activist, Keib Thomas. Scott Johnson started The Proper Blokes when he was struggling with his own mental health and came up with the simple but powerful idea of going for a walk and talk with someone else who may be feeling the same way. Groups now meet each week in multiple areas across London and provide a network of support for men to talk and to listen.
Supporting Residents During the Cost of Living Crisis – Time and Talents
Presented by Ian Lockwood of NEC
As of the end of February 2023, Time & Talents has helped local residents access more than £155,000 in Cost of Living grants to help with the cost of heating this winter, as well as opening a warm space, giving advice on saving money and supporting residents to access benefits.
Trustee of the Year – Lorraine Zuleta at Rotherhithe Consolidated Charities
Presented by Nigel Lloyd of 1st Place Children and Parent’s Centre
As Rotherhithe Consolidated Charities (RCC) Chair, Lorraine successfully led the refocusing of RCC’s charitable grants programmes to benefit residents living in Rotherhithe. Lorraine drove the modernisation of its grants application priorities, processes and criteria and worked to make the application process more accessible.
Corporate Partnership of the Year – Anjunabeats
Presented by Aman Balrow of ZS Associates
Anjunabeats were nominated by South London Mission for their work on the Britebox program. The organisation describes how, ‘Anjuna is an example of corporate social responsibility, their giving is thought out and meaningful because it is a strategic decision which aligns throughout the whole business model.’
