Dedicated local outreach worker has been awarded the British Empire Medal in The King’s New Year Honours list
Sharon Tomlin, a dedicated community organiser from Fulham, has been honoured for her exceptional service to the Black community in Hammersmith & Fulham. Tomlin works with Sobus, a key organisation supporting over 500 charities, community bodies, social enterprises, and start-ups across the borough.
Her work focuses on tackling youth crime, improving mental health services, and addressing substance misuse. As an instrumental member of the Building Trust programme, a collaborative effort between the local NHS and H&F Council, Tomlin has been at the forefront of shaping health and care services that aim to be equally accessible to all residents.
“I’m from the African Caribbean community, so it’s about using dialogue to combat social injustice,” Tomlin explained.
Her efforts became particularly vital during the Covid-19 pandemic, when health inequalities were laid bare. With research revealing that Black and Asian communities were hesitant to take the Covid vaccine due to historic distrust in the healthcare system, Tomlin, alongside other local leaders like Jazz Browne of Nubian Life and Gareth Dixon from Young H&F Foundation, spearheaded community-led listening events. These sessions, aimed at gathering data and fostering trust, played a key role in addressing vaccine hesitancy in the borough.
Tomlin’s commitment extends beyond health work. At 60, she also chairs the Met Police Ward Panel in Fulham’s Lillie Ward, encompassing West Brompton and the Clem Attlee estate. In her personal time, she has pursued her passion for family history, even contributing to television genealogy programs.
In recognition of her tireless work, Tomlin was awarded a Civic Honour by H&F Council in 2023, with the nomination describing her as “a rare gem” who consistently goes “above and beyond” in connecting and helping others. She has been a community organiser for Sobus since 2013, where she continues to make a significant impact.
Sobus, based in Fulham’s Dawes Road, provides affordable room and desk rentals and supports numerous local initiatives. These include a mental health group for Black and Minority Ethnic organisations, a network to assist Somali mothers, and the development of Comoodle, an online platform that fosters resource sharing among voluntary groups. Sobus also launched a ‘Women in Business’ course, enabling women to start their own enterprises, and provides forums for senior citizens’ services.
Sharon Tomlin’s ongoing dedication to creating a stronger, safer, and more inclusive community in Hammersmith & Fulham continues to inspire those around her.
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