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As part of Volunteers’ Week 2025, Community Southwark proudly hosted Southwark Stars—our annual event celebrating the amazing рeople and community groups uplifting our borough.
Held at the stunning Glaziers Hall, this year’s event was an unforgettable evening of culture, gratitude, and community pride.
The night opened with a dazzling performance by Bolivian dance group Tinkus PUROS Filial Londres. The event was brought to life by our wonderful host MC Suley Muhidin, Community Southwark Trustee and Poet, who inspired us all with an amazing opening poem, setting the tone for an evening rooted in compassion and creativity.
“A great, heart-warming event” shared one attendee. “Lovely to recognise the talent and passion across Southwark’s volunteers, enhanced by the poignant music, dance and poetry.”
To celebrate volunteers week, Community Southwark sent out over 50 Volunteer Champion Certificates, as well as inviting Volunteer Champions to Southwark Stars to receive their certificates on stage. These volunteers are the heart of the ceremony, with charities and community groups represented across Southwark.
We were also delighted to be joined by Southwark Community Health Ambassadors who were thanked for the immense impact volunteers Ambassadors make in supporting each other to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities.
Midway through the evening, guests enjoyed a soulful interval performance by Maurice ONEJAH, whose uplifting music brought even more heart to the celebration.
Honouring the Stars of Southwark
Draper Together was awarded Charity of the Year for creating safe, empowering spaces and a stigma-free foodbank supporting local families.
Breathe Arts Health Research won Community Group of the Year for their transformative arts-led health programmes helping residents heal through music, poetry, and performance.
Rotherhithe Community Kitchen was honoured for their work tackling food waste and insecurity—providing meals, dignity, and human connection to hundreds each week.
London Bridge Hotel won Business Community Partnership Award for their outstanding support for community in Southwark, partnering with local charities, especially through the annual Team London Bridge Gift Back campaign.
Recognising Remarkable Individuals
Lady Marian (Mama) Banjo, 85, was named Older Volunteer of the Year for restoring children’s confidence and easing family hardship by lovingly repairing school uniforms.
Carolina Maday Villa Huanca Younger Volunteer of the Year and Johana Armijos, Keib Thomas Active Citizen were celebrated for empowering migrant parents, improving access to healthcare, housing, and language support through Parent Action.
Malachi Allen was awarded Disabled Volunteer of the Year for his inspiring work at Bede House, supporting peers and encouraging independent travel.
Macey Osei-Kissi was praised for leading over 620 volunteers in her first year at Robes, expanding shelter support and bringing more kindness to those experiencing homelessness.
A Mayoral Tribute
The evening closed with words from The Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Sunny Lambe, who commended the incredible impact volunteers make every day: “Southwark people have the power to make a difference. Each of you, through your volunteering or through your organisation or group, has changed lives, enriched our communities, and helped Southwark thrive.”
Feel inspired to get involved?
Visit our volunteering page to start your volunteer journey.
With heartfelt thanks to this year’s sponsors, without whom we wouldn’t be able to hold Southwark Stars.
