Community Inspiration Awards 2025

Community Inspiration Awards Ceremony 2025

We had an incredible evening at the 13th Community Inspiration Awards ceremony last Friday. A big congratulations to all the 45 runners-up and winners who received their awards from a lineup of high profile VIPs. Your accomplishments continue to inspire us all!  Keep up the good work.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals from across our community, including those from the public sector, voluntary organisations, businesses, and social enterprises. With 350 attendees, we honoured the dedication of 90 finalists, carefully chosen from hundreds of outstanding nominations from the Midlands and beyond.

COMMUNITY AWARD CATEGORY

1. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This award is to recognise the outstanding achievements made by a person throughout their lifetime and is an inspiration to others.

Award Presenter: Simon Foster: Police & Crime Commissioner, WM Police

2nd Runner Up: Wendy Brade, St Basils

Wendy Brade has devoted over 45 years to supporting young people and preventing homelessness across the West Midlands. With over 30 years at St Basils, she’s a compassionate, consistent advocate whose encouragement has empowered many to succeed. Her dedication, care, and impact make her a true community champion and role model.

1st Runner Up: Rev. Frank Longbottom, Birmingham Mind

He became a member of the Vesey Rotary Club in the 80s, with the aim to support local charities and make a meaningful impact. Since then, he has supported many charitable initiatives, served as Adviser on Healthcare Chaplaincy to the Bishop of Birmingham and has been the chair of Birmingham Mind since 2004.

Winner: Dave Rogers, Midland Mencap

Dave has been working in supported housing initiatives since 1988, providing people with the chance to live independently with dignity. He became the CEO of Midlands Mencap in 2003, leading it to become an organisation with assets of over £15 million which is able to offer high quality care and support for people with a learning disability.

2. DUTY TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD

This award is to recognise a politician or community activist for their dedication to serve the community through thick and thin to bring about improvements in their community.

Award Presenter: Major General Tim Hodgetts: West Midlands Lieutenancy

2nd Runner Up: Jillian Whitfield, St Basils

The team leader at St. Basils, Jillian works with homeless people and helps them understand how to navigate residential living and the benefits system. She is praised for always going the extra mile, doing whatever it takes to ensure young people are not reduced to debt and advocating for those between 16 and 25.

1st Runner up: Ruphsana Nahar-Qayyum (Posthumous)

This is a pos-tumous nomination for Ruphsana who has sadly passed away. She worked tirelessly to advocate for mental health for people from the minority communities.  She used her personal experience as a guide to amplify the voices of minorities and advocate on their behalf when they faced challenges due to language or financial constraints, and gave many people guidance and support through her work in perinatal services.

Winner: Pamela Hancox, New Beginnings

Pamela has been a driving force behind Baby Bundles, a service that provides essential items such as clothes and nappies, to parents struggling to meet their children’s basic needs. She has ensured that a vast number of children received the best start in life, assembling bundles with care and love.

3. BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER AWARD

This award is to recognise an outstanding individual or a group who have improved community cohesion by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures to work together.

Award Presenter: Rt Revd Esther Prior: Bishop of Aston

2nd Runner up: Rajesh Mehta, Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council

The impact from the work that Raj has done has been incredible. The Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council is the most active Interfaith Council in the country, working together to bring Unity into the Community. As a result of his leadership the Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council were awarded with the Kings Award of Voluntary Service in 2024. Through his hard work and vision he has brought together over 60 Faith and community groups throughout the Borough, bringing together groups that in the past would not have worked together.

1st Runner up: Andrew Smith, The Feast

Andrew has worked tirelessly, since the mid 1990s, to bring people from different faith communities together. He set up the Feast Youthwork project which brings together youth of different backgrounds, as well as serving as Director of Interfaith Relations for the Bishop of Birmingham, making significant contributions to interfaith work in the West Midlands.

Winner: Rashta Butt

Rashta has worked in the Community in Ward End for the last 30 years, and is presently Community Hub Director for St Margaret's Community Trust. She has worked to build a vibrant and connected community hub that regularly welcomes people from 7 different ethnicities to participate in their activities, creating a stronger, happier community.

4. ENVIRONMENT CHAMPION AWARD

This award is to recognise an individual or an organisation that has been helping to make positive improvements to the environment.

Award Presenter: Majid Mahmood: Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, BCC

2nd Runner up: Birmingham Masjid and Dawah Centre

The volunteers from the centre have continuously served to bring about positive environmental changes to their local area in Lozells. Be it rain or snow, they have diligently been going out with the litter pickers and shovels to remove tons of rubbish discarded on the roads, parks and front drives of elderly people.

1st Runner up: Mike Cain, Back the Track

Since 2016, Mike and his team of volunteers have been breathing new life into the disused rail track between Walsall and Lichfield. What began as a small group of passionate locals—many of them retired—has grown into a tireless community effort. In all weathers, they clear, maintain, and extend the route with remarkable enthusiasm, creating a safe and welcoming green corridor for residents. Their work not only encourages healthier lifestyles and outdoor enjoyment but also helps reduce traffic on local roads, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Winner: Asia Khatoon, Friends of Sparkbrook

Asia Khatoon started Friends of Sparkbrook as a lone resident several years ago. Thanks to her effort, it has since grown to 418 members who regularly work to clean up Sparkbrook and surrounding areas. Asia has also been instrumental in highlighting issues around nitrous oxide canisters and the danger they pose to the environment.

5. SPORTS AWARD

This award is to recognise an individual who has excelled in sporting, or a club that has supported people to realise their full potential and sporting talent.

Award Presenter: Nicky Brennan: Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, BCC

2nd Runner Up: Monika Mroz

Monika’s passion for regular hiking across the English countryside with different groups  showcases her resilience in encouraging and motivating others to take part in affordable healthy outdoor pursuits— whist proving that motherhood, her faith and adventure can go hand in hand. Alongside this, she selflessly serves with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, mentoring young people and demonstrating leadership, discipline, and courage.

1st Runner up: Bright Future Association

BFA empowers children and young people through sports, education, and engagement. It has provided accessible football training, community events, and life-changing opportunities including local leagues and collaboration with schools and police since its founding in 2010, helping over 12,000 people through its active years so far.

Winner: Jamila Bi, Archery GB

Jamila, the Legacy Co-Ordinator for Archery GB, is a positive role model for archery and the West Midlands. She has delivered Holiday activity programs focused on archery delivered in partnership with Bring it On Brum, created archery opportunities for Deaf and Visually Impaired children to try the sport, and allowed more than 3000 people to try archery.

6. VOLUNTEER AWARD

This award is to recognise an individual who has dedicated their time and energy voluntarily for an organisation or a cause, through which they have made a significant difference in the community.

Award Presenter: Suzanne Hartwell: Deputy Leader, Sandwell City Council

2nd Runner up: Jane Griffiths, Back and 4thVolunteers

A team of over 20 volunteer drivers working as Back and 4th Community Drivers put in their own time to assist charities, community and voluntary groups in moving around the city. They provide a door-to-door service, chatting and helping clients during their visits, and we hope to recognise the time and effort they put in to serving their local community.

1st Runner up: Saiff Salih, Halesowen/ Dudley Yemeni Community Association

Saiff has dedicated more than 17 years of his life to ensure the Halesowen/Dudley Yemeni Community Association and Halesowen Cultural Centre become a thriving success to meet the needs of the local population, purpose-building the organisation to foster inclusivity, diversity, and community spirit.

Winner: Edna Dunn, Hately Cross Big Partnership

Edna started a Neighbourhood Watch in 2010, believing that her community in Essex Avenue deserved better. Since then, she has started Essex Avenue Community TRA, secured a £1million investment in the area from Local Trust, improved green spaces, and petitioned for the re-opening of a community building which now serves residents of her local area.

7. GOOD NEIGHBOUR AWARD

This award is to recognise someone with a heart of gold, who is always on hand to help out and make everyday life better for their neighbours.

Award Presenter: Siobhan Blake: Chief Crown Prosecutor, The Crown Prosecution Service

2nd Runner up: Atia Lokhat, Zubeda Welcome

Atia Lokhat is the CEO and founder of Zubeda Welcome, a unique charity that is dedicated to helping the refugee and asylum seeker communities retain their faith during difficult times. It provides access to high-quality Islamic education, preserving faith and cultural identity of those who may struggle to retain it in times of great change and stress.

1st Runner up: Heather Matuozzo, Clouds End CIC

Heather started Clouds End CIC, a service in Solihull to help those with hoarding disorders. She provides people with the tools to overcome hoarding behaviours with personal advice, support groups, accredited training to professionals, and even support packages to families in the area.

Winner: Jan Barron, Batchley Support Group

Jan serves as the treasurer for Batchley Support Group, which provides support with education and employment, mental health difficulties, low price or free food for struggling members of the community, and benefit support. Jan is a key member of the team, always thinking of new fundraising ideas to benefit the community, and does not take a wage!

PUBLIC SERVICES AWARD CATEGORY

8. PUBLIC SERVICES AWARD

This award is to recognise an outstanding contribution made by an officer or a team by going the extra mile to respond to the service needs of the community and improve customer satisfaction.

Award Presenter: Glenn Harris: Chief Executive of Midland Hearts

2nd Runner up: Health and Protection Team Coventry

The Health Protection Team in Coventry provided support to local mosques and other organisations to run health awareness projects, empower grassroots organisations and engaging communities considered hard to reach. This included health protection messages raising awareness for vaccinations, oral health, measles, sexual health, and tuberculosis, helping ensure communities who may be overlooked stay healthy and happy.

1st Runner up: Lauren Hoyle, West Midlands Combined Authority

The WMCA Engagement Team worked with 16 artists to develop workshops across 26 of the most deprived wards in the West Midlands, reaching communities that often face barriers to get involved in creative activities, explore local green spaces, reflect on nature and improve their wellbeing. They also ran their Cycling for All programme, encouraging more people to engage in exercise and independent travel.

Winner: Meena Bibi, Saathi House

Meena set up a Community Advice Surgery to support those having issues with housing, debt, and access to benefits for local women who do not speak fluent English. She has also spoken at Citizens UK assemblies to share stories of those affected by housing and poverty issues.

9. COMMUNITY REASSURANCE AWARD

This award is to recognise the outstanding contribution made by a member of the community or a policing team who have worked hard to successfully improve community safety and reassurance.

Award Presenter: Mark Smith: High Sheriff of the West Midlands, & Supt. Karl Thomas: WM Police

2nd Runner up: Jacky Mulveen, We: Are

Jacky was instrumental in setting up We:Are, the Womens’ Empowerment And Recovery Educators, in 2002. We:Are has saved the lives of many women and children being subjected to domestic abuse, helping them to escape and thrive.

1st Runner up: Cynthia Spence, SHAPE

SHAPE has provided suitable, safe accommodation for vulnerable women between 18 and 25 since 2012. It works with other agencies who provide help to women from all backgrounds who are victims of domestic violence, ensuring everyone who accesses their services receives the best care and support, helping them regain self-confidence, self-belief and self-esteem.

Winner: Networkfour

Networkfour partners with West Midlands Police and business security teams to respond efficiently to incidents. Trained volunteers provide crisis prevention, real-time safeguarding and first aid, enhancing public safety. In 2024 alone, they carried out 19,875 interventions, and also supported rough sleepers and those in mental health crisis, offering reassurance to a huge portion of Birmingham.

10. HEALTH & WELLBEING AWARD

This award is to recognise the significant contribution made by a health practitioner or a team to improve health and well-being though their continuous dedication and commitment to help others going beyond their call of duty.

Award Presenter: Dr. Suzanne Cleary: Deputy CEO, Birmingham Community Health care NHS Foundation Trust

2nd Runner up: Matron Suzanne Rigby and Dr. David Palmer

Described by others as a ‘4th emergency service in Cannock’, Matron Suzanne Rigby and Dr. David Palmer come into the field and bring their health service to vulnerable people in society, assisting with medication, redressing wounds, and more. They also take service users to medical appointments, catching vulnerable peoples who fall through the ‘gaps’ of mainstream healthcare services.

1st Runner up: Connected Care Network

Led by Dr. Rizwan Rafi, the Connected Care Network has advanced integrated care in Solihull through their pioneering model of care that links NHS education, social and voluntary sections. The program connects patients with vital services and addresses service gaps, creating lasting improvements in healthcare.

Winner: Kathleen Roche-Nagi, Approachable Parenting

Kathleen Roche-Nagi, of Approachable Parenting, delivers inclusive, culturally sensitive parenting courses that support mental health and empower families—especially in ethnic minority and perinatal communities. She unites diverse groups, promotes positive parenting, and ensures access to vital resources in community languages. Her tireless dedication and leadership continue to strengthen family bonds and improve community wellbeing.

11. EDUCATION SERVICES AWARD

This award is to recognise an individual or a team who has been innovative in creating opportunities for people to get into education or complete their education who otherwise would not have studied/achieved the grades.

Award Presenter: Pat Carvalho: Principal and CEO of Birmingham Met College

2nd Runner up: Michael Green, 3Pillars Project

Michael works with young people at risk of social exclusion, using sports and mentoring as a guide to provide positive role models. This helps build confidence and resilience, preventing disengagement from education and employment – his school sessions help students to re-engage with learning and personal development, receiving positive feedback from schools, youth organisations and families.

1st Runner up: Dudley College Students Union

Dudley College Students Union is a student-let organisation fostering inclusive leadership, democratic engagement and community outreach. They have been deeply involved with political activism, liasing with local MPs and councillors about student homelessness, and provides student-led clubs such as Eco Warriors, Afro Club celebrating African culture, Muslim Association and more.

Winner: Yasmin Akhtar, Go Woman Alliance

Designed for pre-entry learners whose first language is not English, the innovative Reading Ladies program creates an informal and supportive learning environment offering personalised pathways for language development for each participant. It sets short- and long-term goals for learners, building confidence in English language. The combination of tailored, flexible learning with a strong focus on digital literacy ensures that the women in the program are not only improving their language skills but are also becoming more tech-savvy, bridging a significant gap in today’s digital world.

12. BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE AWARD

This award is to recognise businesses and social enterprises that have managed to ride the economic downturn or have made positive contribution to their locality and/or customers.

Award Presenter: Rebecca Tigue, Sixth Form Principal of University College Birmingham.

2nd Runner up: Janet Davies, Walsall Community Network

A consortium of 15 community organisations from Walsall and the surrounding areas, WCN is a registered CIC that provides a wide range of services and activities to Walsall residents. Its members are passionate for the community they help, striving to improve the wellbeing of their residents and constantly looking to provide additional services.

1st Runner up: Bonnie Harvey, Clent Connect

Clent Connect was born out of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to support vulnerable residents who were struggling with isolation, access to essentials, and a lack of social connection. The initial small group of volunteers has since grown to over 80 individuals establishing Clent Connect as a supportive community hub.

Winner: Shaylesh Patel, ASTOP

ASTOP Limited offers rent and rates-free spaces to over 20 charities at Quayside Tower, enabling countless charitable projects to thrive. It has received positive feedback from charities and landlords alike, and has allowed countless charities the space and resources to reach their goals.

13. COMMUNITY ORGANISATION AWARD

This award is to recognise an outstanding voluntary organisation that has made a positive impact on the community through their continuous dedication and passion to help the community.

Award Presenter: Kerrie Carmichael: Leader, Sandwell City Council

2nd Runner up: Hatley Cross Big Local Partnership

Formed in 2014, the Hateley Cross Big Local consulted with the communities of Hateley Heath and Stone Cross in West Bromwich to develop a comprehensive plan of action. Awarded £1million to spend on community-led projects, HCBL has established a community centre, empowered youth, connected residents with health service, and revitalised green spaces into accessible, clean, and safe areas to enjoy.

1st Runner up: Northfield Community Partnership

Delivering vital projects for over 17 years, Northfield Community Partnership works with over 10,000 citizens a year with projects ranging from food banks and pantries to health and wellbeing projects for older people, to even recreational activities for low-income families.

Winner: St Albans Community Association

St Albans Community Association (SACA) has been at the heart of Smethwick for over 40 years, delivering lifesaving community support in one of the UK’s most deprived areas. SACA has taken proactive and strategic action to address the social, economic, and health inequalities faced by residents in Smethwick. Working in close collaboration with local authorities, health partners, schools, other charities, and grassroots organisations, SACA has built a comprehensive network of support that benefits thousands of people annually.

14. FIREFIGHTER AWARD

This award is to recognise an outstanding fire fighter or a team who have put their own lives at risk to save people/property from fire or who have worked hard to improve fire safety.

Award Presenter: Simon Tuhill: Chief Fire Officer & Chief Executive, WM Fire Service

2nd Runner up: Stephen Graham

Stephen has dedicated 50 years of exceptional service to West Midlands Fire Service and the local community. He joined in 1974 and served operationally for 30 years without a single day of sickness. After retiring as Station Officer, he continued to give another 20 years to fire safety. His unwavering commitment, passion, and expertise have left a profound impact on both colleagues and the wider community. Stephen’s lifelong dedication stands as an inspiring example of service and resilience.

1st Runner up: Watch Commander Craig Tipton

Craig has been recognised for outstanding leadership in tackling anti-social behaviour and knife crime across Staffordshire and the West Midlands. He established the Knife Crime Ambassador Team and led successful campaigns in Lichfield and Wolverhampton, making a significant community impact. Through education, he has empowered young people with positive alternatives to violence. His work distributing bleed kits has directly saved lives. Craig’s tireless efforts continue to strengthen communities and protect future generations.

Winner: Firefighter Hayley Walsh, Firefighter Tyronne Hylton, and Watch Commander Michael Jackson

On 25 January, three West Midlands Fire Service members showed remarkable courage while off duty. After a severely injured victim collapsed onto Firefighter Hylton’s vehicle pleading for help, he immediately delivered critical trauma care. With emergency services overwhelmed, Firefighter Walsh used her trauma kit to provide lifesaving haemorrhage control, while all three supported police and paramedics. Despite the aggressor still being present and stealing Firefighter Hylton’s vehicle, they remained focused on saving lives. Their actions protected three victims in an extremely volatile and dangerous situation.

15. EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This award is to recognise students who have strived hard and made significant progress to achieve outstanding academic success in their study at school, college or university.

Award Presenter: Mike Hopkin: Principal of South and City College and Cllr. Obaida Ahmed

2nd Runner up: Fizah Tahir

Fizah has shown extraordinary determination and resilience throughout her studies, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her education. She worked tirelessly all year round, even during holidays and family celebrations, demonstrating an unwavering focus to achieve her goals of securing 10 GCSE at grade 8

1st Runner up: Zuheyb Mohamed Hassan

Despite significant health challenges, including a long-term absence and leg surgery, this student demonstrated remarkable resilience. He not only overcame early behavioral issues to achieve excellent grades but also voluntarily helped his classmates prepare for their exams, showcasing impressive maturity and a strong commitment to his peers.

Qualification Level: GCSE:  Two 9s & five 8s

Winner: Jaden Payne

Jaden was diagnosed with an Acquired Brain Injury, in May 2017, aged 14. However he returned to school, and successfully passed all 9 GCSEs and then went onto college to study Level 3 Extended Sports Diploma – passing with  Distinctions. In summer 2024, he achieved a goal never thought possible at the time of his brain injury, to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Sport Rehabilitation with Upper Second Class Honours degree from St Mary’s University in London.