The winners from the VCS Awards
A packed Grocers’ Wing of Whitechapel Town Hall was the setting for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Awards and Summit on Thursday 30 January.
Hosted by Tower Hamlets Council, the awards pay tribute to the outstanding contribution made by the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) to enrich people’s lives and make Tower Hamlets a great place to live.
Awards were presented across six categories following the extensive work of independent panels to shortlist over 170 nominations.
Cllr Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources, Cost of Living and the Voluntary and Community Sector said:
“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.”
Guest speakers from local organisations spoke about the difference that community groups make, and there was a marketplace of community stalls and networking opportunities.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets said:
“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 1300 VCS groups play across Tower Hamlets, and the council is committed to be a key partner, working alongside these groups and supporting them to serve our local communities and improve the lives of our residents.”
Guests were treated to special performance from Cristiano, who attends local Young and Talented performance group, which has been supported by council grant funding.
He performed a medley of songs from MJ the Musical, which he’s currently starring in the West End as little Michael.
The list of VCS Award winners and highly commended
Large voluntary group of the year:
This award recognises any voluntary or community group with an annual income over £1m, who have collectively made a difference to the community in Tower Hamlets.
Winner: The Royal Foundation of St Katharine
Highly commended: St Hilda’s East
Medium voluntary group of the year:
This award recognises any voluntary or community group with an annual income between £150k to £1m, who has collectively made a difference in Tower Hamlets.
Winner: Limehouse Project
Highly commended: Streets of Growth
Small voluntary group of the year:
This award recognises any voluntary or community group with an annual income under £150k, who have collectively made a difference to the community in Tower Hamlets
Winner: Vallance Community Sports Association
Highly commended: Mile End Community Project and JustSmiles Original.
Young volunteer of the year:
Winner: Alexis Williams
Highly commended: Jason Clark and Mohammed Imad Hussain.
Volunteer of the year:
Joint Winners: James Ford and Mel Pinet
Highly commended: Phillip Reddaway and Tom Elliott
Lifetime Achievement award:
Winner: Koyes Ali
Highly commended: Rashid Ali
Posted on Monday 3rd February 2025