Tower Hamlets celebrated its local heroes at the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Awards, recognising the hard work and dedication of individuals and groups that enrich the lives of residents.
The Grocers’ Wing of Whitechapel Town Hall was abuzz with excitement on Thursday, 30 January, as local heroes from Tower Hamlets’ Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) gathered to receive well-deserved recognition. Hosted by Tower Hamlets Council, the VCS Awards and Summit celebrated the incredible impact of community groups and volunteers working tirelessly to enrich lives and create positive change in the borough.
In front of an engaged audience, awards were presented across six categories, recognising the invaluable contributions of over 170 nominated organisations and individuals. The independent panels, who meticulously reviewed each nomination, acknowledged the diverse ways in which these groups have made Tower Hamlets a better place to live and thrive.
Cllr Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources, Cost of Living, and the Voluntary and Community Sector, expressed his admiration for the awardees, stating, “The passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment shown by each and every one of these organisations is truly inspiring. You are all trusted champions of the communities you support, working tirelessly to create positive change.”

“The passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment shown by each and every one of these organisations is truly inspiring.” –Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources
In his speech, Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, praised the vital role of the VCS in the borough, saying, “Many congratulations and thank you to all those who have been nominated or have won an award. You all make invaluable contributions to our community. We value the crucial role that more than 1,300 VCS groups play across Tower Hamlets, and the council is committed to being a key partner, working alongside these groups and supporting them to serve our local communities.”
Among the event’s highlights was a special performance by Cristiano, a member of the Young and Talented performance group, who wowed the crowd with a medley of songs from MJ the Musical, in which he stars as young Michael Jackson in the West End. His performance was made possible through council grant funding, showcasing the transformative impact of community support.

The awards ceremony celebrated various categories, with winners and highly commended organisations and individuals honoured for their outstanding achievements. The winner of the Large Voluntary Group of the Year award was The Royal Foundation of St Katharine, recognised for its exceptional contribution to the community. St Hilda’s East was highly commended in this category. In the Medium Voluntary Group of the Year category, the Limehouse Project emerged victorious, with Streets of Growth highly commended.
The Small Voluntary Group of the Year award went to the Vallance Community Sports Association, with the Mile End Community Project and JustSmiles Original receiving high commendations. Alexis Williams was named Young Volunteer of the Year, with Jason Clark and Mohammed Imad Hussain receiving highly commended status.
Volunteer of the Year was awarded jointly to James Ford and Mel Pinet, both recognised for their unwavering commitment to their communities. Phillip Reddaway and Tom Elliott were also highly commended. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Koyes Ali, with Rashid Ali receiving a highly commended mention.
This annual event not only highlights the selfless efforts of volunteers but also fosters networking and collaboration among local community groups. Attendees were encouraged to explore a marketplace of community stalls, where they could share ideas and resources aimed at building a stronger, more connected Tower Hamlets.
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