Community Inspiration Awards 2026

Community Inspiration Awards Ceremony 2026

We had an incredible evening at the 14th Community Inspiration Awards ceremony last Friday 25th September 2026. A big congratulations to all the 63 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 almost 170 finalists, carefully chosen from hundreds of outstanding nominations from the Midlands and beyond.

Please find the photo gallery at the bottom of the page.

WINNERS and RUNNERS-UP

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: Susan Evans, Manor Farm Community Association

Susan has dedicated nearly 30 years to Manor Farm CA, progressing from a volunteer to Charity Manager. She played a key role in Walsall’s pandemic response and continues to advise government representatives on improving access to services. Her leadership, advocacy and commitment have made a lasting impact on communities across the Black Country.

1st Runner Up: Andrew Clarke, Cornerstone Opportunities CIC

Andrew founded Cornerstone Opportunities CIC in 2014 to support individuals facing complex needs, homelessness and re-entry from prison across South Wales. His inclusive, person-centred approach includes lived-experience hiring and community hubs such as @Cornerstone in Bargoed. His hands-on leadership has helped hundreds secure housing, rebuild their lives and overcome crisis.

Winner: Sajda Butt, SB Training and Consultancy

Sajda Butt has dedicated more than 15 years to strengthening communities through mental health training, service development, research and community engagement. Working across Birmingham, the West Midlands and nationally, she has empowered professionals, volunteers, women and community leaders while connecting grassroots communities with formal services. Her trusted leadership and ability to bring people together have created lasting, positive change across diverse communities.

2. DUTY TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD

This award is to recognise a member of the public for their dedication to serve the community through thick and thin to bring about improvements in their area or to a community.

Award Presenter: Paul Faulkner, Deputy Lieutenant at the West Midlands Lieutenancy

2nd Runner Up: Asad Fazil MBE, Al-Hurraya

Asad founded Al-Hurraya in 2014 to provide culturally responsive mental health, counselling and addiction services for marginalised communities. Over the past decade, he has expanded the organisation through partnerships with the NHS and local authorities. His work supports asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable families. Awarded an MBE in 2022, Asad’s dedication and advocacy continue to break down barriers to care and transform lives.

1st Runner up: Isabel Da Silva, Isa Connect CIC

Isabel founded a local community network providing women with a safe space for personal development and mutual growth. Since before the pandemic, she has organised regular events that foster connection, build resilience and empower women. Her selfless dedication and nurturing leadership continue to bring people together and provide vital community support.

Winner: Sally De Pee, Little Cherubs Community

Sally founded Little Cherubs Children’s Clothing Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic, growing it into a vital service supporting over 1,800 children. She provides free clothing, shoes, baby equipment and Christmas gifts to families facing financial hardship. Her compassionate, non-judgmental leadership offers essential support and dignity to parents and carers in need.

3. BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER AWARD

This award recognises individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution to fostering community cohesion by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and work towards common goals.

Award Presenter: Venerable Jenny Tomlinson, Archdeacon of Birmingham at the Church of England

2nd Runner up: Louise Prashad

Louise has spent a decade raising awareness of organ donation and maternity safety following her life-saving liver transplant in 2016. She has delivered over 600 educational talks across the UK and raised more than £350,000 for transplant services. As a triple silver medallist in transplant athletics, she also champions inclusive sports through Special Olympics Great Britain. Her dedication continues to inspire hope and save lives.

1st Runner up: Richard Campbell, BLESST CIC

Richard has dedicated over a decade to youth empowerment and community development in Birmingham through BLESST CIC. He established a Youth Leadership Advisory Board, creating opportunities for young people to influence institutions and access paid work. Through mentoring, faith-based safe spaces and academic partnerships, he supports vulnerable youth, including looked-after children, to build positive futures.

Winner: Lisa Ali, Augmented CIC

Lisa established a community centre in Birmingham to support women in underprivileged areas such as Aston and Ladywood. As a survivor of child marriage and domestic abuse, she provides free fitness and wellness programmes for women who feel excluded from traditional gyms. Through safety projects and community initiatives, she empowers women, promotes wellbeing and brings diverse communities together.

4. ENVIRONMENT CHAMPION AWARD

This award recognises an individual whose efforts have led to tangible, positive improvements in the environment, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and the protection of natural resources.

Award Presenter: Sean Kyne, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor at the Corwn Prosecution Service

2nd Runner up: Aminah Mehrban, Count Me In

Aminah has led the “Greener, Safer Alum Rock” initiative since October 2025, empowering ten Street Champions to improve their neighbourhood. Working with local police, agencies and residents, she organises street cleans, tackles fly-tipping and promotes community safety. Through women’s safety sessions and alarm distributions, her grassroots leadership builds trust and creates a cleaner, safer community.

1st Runner up: Ryan Hulance, We Can CIC

At just 13 years old, Ryan is an environmental champion supporting communities across Solihull and Birmingham through WeCan CIC. He collects and recycles aluminium cans from local litter-picking efforts, raising funds for charities such as Anawim Women’s Crisis Centre. His dedication to protecting green spaces and promoting recycling inspires young people and strengthens community involvement.

Winner: Kate Ellis, One Project Macclesfield

Kate founded The One Project seven years ago, growing it into a community shop and support network in Macclesfield. Rescuing around three tonnes of surplus food weekly, her team provides free food, affordable clothing, forest school activities and mental health support to over 180 residents daily. Through partnerships and community gardens, her CIC continues to support vulnerable families and promote sustainability

5. SPORTS AWARD

This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill and achievement in sport, or a club that has played a pivotal role in nurturing and empowering individuals to realise their full potential and sporting talent.

Award Presenter: Alan Allmark, Area Commander and Assistant Director of Protection at West Midlands Fire Service 

2nd Runner Up: Ladies Football 4 Fun

Founded in 2022 by Helen and Melissa, this non-profit offers relaxed football sessions across Solihull, Birmingham, and Coventry. Volunteer-led, it provides over 300 women, transgender, and non-binary participants a safe space to play without league pressure. Through family fun days and mental health events, the group boosts wellbeing and unites the community.

1st Runner up: West Brom Basketball Club

Engaging over 200 weekly participants, the club delivers accessible basketball across high-deprivation areas in Sandwell and Birmingham. By offering junior pathways, women’s initiatives, and "Team Talk" wellbeing sessions, it removes financial barriers to build youth leadership and improve mental health.

Winner: Beezee by Maximus for The Disability Day Centre Football League

Expanding across five Birmingham centres, this initiative enables adults with complex needs and learning disabilities to play adapted football. Partnering with local organisations, it utilizes unused leisure hours to provide structured coaching, health support, and team identity. The program boosts participant independence, securing full council funding and inspiring national replication plans.

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: Richard Kirby, Chief Executive of the NHS Birmingham Community Health Care

2nd Runner up: Wendy Webb, The Hothouse & Tynings Lane Church

Wendy dedicates her time to supporting residents across The Hothouse and Tynings Lane Church. She organises activities and events that provide children and young people with safe, welcoming spaces. Her consistent care and selfless volunteering help keep vital community settings running, ensuring local youth feel valued and strengthening neighbourhood connections.

1st Runner up: Owen Sutton

Following a life-changing brain tumour diagnosis and four major surgeries, Owen campaigns for greater awareness and support for patients and families. He has raised over £20,000 for charity, serves as a Young Ambassador and develops innovative aids for young patients. Through volunteering, media appearances and lobbying MPs, he advocates for improved brain tumour funding.

Winner: Michelle De-Torre, Nigel Prosser Foundation

Founder of the Nigel Prosser Foundation, Michelle empowers Special Educational Needs (SEN) families across the West Midlands through a compassionate, hands-on approach. She delivers practical assistance by funding specialist equipment, providing direct financial aid, and offering vital emotional guidance. By building collaborative local networks, Michelle combats social isolation and reduces SEN stigma, ensuring families feel understood, valued, and fully supported.

7. GOOD NEIGHBOUR AWARD

This award recognises an individual with a heart of gold, always ready to lend a helping hand and enhance the everyday lives of their neighbours through acts of kindness and support.

Award Presenter: Tahir Ali, MP for Birmingham Hall Green

2nd Runner up: Rehana Begum, Wednesbury Connecting Communities

Through Wednesbury Connecting Communities, Rehana voluntarily empowers local South Asian women facing cultural and language barriers. By organizing tailored outdoor activities like canoeing, cycling, and bell-boating, she creates safe spaces for women to build confidence. Her leadership combats isolation and improves health, enabling participants to play active roles in their community.

1st Runner up: Southam and District Lions Club

Serving Southam and surrounding villages for decades, the club raises thousands annually for local charities through events like their popular December Santa Sleigh tours. They organize cherished traditions for all ages, including an annual senior citizens' tea and summer Teddy Bears Picnics for families. Funded by monthly furniture sales supporting the foodbank, the club provides direct emergency relief and daily medical transport for residents in need.

Winner: Victor Browne, Heath Town Tenants and Residents Association

For over five years, Victor has advocated for Heath Town’s residents, bridging grassroots community needs with high-level housing policy including leadership roles at Wolverhampton Homes. On the ground, he hosts weekly coffee mornings to combat isolation and provides a trusted, diplomatic voice for neighbours in need. His dedication and service have helped tenants achieve a positive meaningful change which has had a positive impact on the community.

8. CULTURAL HERITAGE & ARTS AWARD

This award recognises an individual who has enriched the community through their contributions to the arts, cultural initiatives, heritage preservation, or creative expression.

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

2nd Runner up: Charis Hawkley

Dedicated to multifaceted volunteering since late 2025, Charis catalogued historical collections at the Birmingham & Midland Institute to improve research access. She raises thousands for local causes, funding women's shelter care items and animal rescue meals while supporting the Royal British Legion. Crowned Miss Ethereal Beauty Charity (2026–2027), Charis uses her platform to advocate for neurodiversity and inspire community action.

1st Runner up: Centrala CIC

Based in Digbeth, Centrala has spent 17 years using art, culture, and direct social support to bridge migrant and non-migrant communities across Birmingham. Alongside celebrating Central and Eastern European arts, Centrala provides crisis support and integration aid for Ukrainian, Afghan, Syrian, and Polish residents. By creating inclusive spaces and mentoring working-class musicians, Centrala challenges prejudice and fosters regional social cohesion.

Winner: David Clargo & Carole Sleight, Whittle Productions Community Interest Company

David and Carole delivered the transformative "Switched on Stories" project, preserving post-war local history by documenting over 200 resident memories of Leamington’s 1951–1961 illuminated festival. They created a documentary film, podcasts, and an exhibition attracting 6,700 visitors. Archiving these materials with the Warwickshire County Record Office, they safeguarded the town's cultural legacy for future generations.

9. YOUTH INSPIRATION AWARD

This award recognises a young person or an organisation working with youth, who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, or creativity, making a significant and positive impact within their community.

Award Presenter: Cllr Kamel Hawwash, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families at the BCC

2nd Runner up: Together St Paul's Community Development Trust

Serving Balsall Heath for over 50 years, St Paul's Trust supported over 3,200 residents in 2024–25 across one of Birmingham's most deprived neighbourhoods. Operating an early years nursery, a specialist SEMH Post-16 school, Balsall Heath City Farm, and a Family Hub supporting domestic abuse survivors, the Trust delivers a complete cradle-to-community model. Winners of the 2025 Locality Transforming Lives Award, they break cycles of crisis and co-design new youth pathways.

1st Runner up: Jack Rivers

At just 14 years old, Jack launched a dedicated bus petition in August 2024 to restore vital public transport links across St Osyth, Jaywick, and Clacton-on-Sea. By actively engaging local councillors and parliamentary representatives, he successfully secured a six-week trial for the bus service. Recognized as a runner-up in the BBC Make a Difference Awards and featured on BBC Essex, Jack’s selfless advocacy demonstrates exceptional youth initiative, determination, and a profound sense of duty to coastal residents.

Winner: BLESST YLAB

Operating under the BLESST model—Building, Learning, Education, Safe Space, and Transition—YLAB nurtures young people in Birmingham to become transformative community leaders. Over seven years, members have built peer mental health networks, organized major public initiatives, and collaborated on paid projects with institutions like the University of Birmingham. YLAB’s self-sustaining intergenerational model equips successive cohorts with the confidence and platform to inspire lasting local change.

PUBLIC SERVICES AWARD CATEGORY

1. COMMUNITY REASSURANCE AWARD

This award recognises the exceptional contribution of an individual or team who have worked tirelessly with the community to enhance safety and security, effectively reducing the fear of crime and fostering a greater sense of reassurance.

Award Presenter: Carmen Watson, High Sheriff of the West Midlands at the High Sheriff Association

2nd Runner up: Alison Glover, Paint Stratford

Through creative art initiatives across Stratford, Ali Glover uses public art and graffiti as a powerful outlet for mental health support and community healing. By providing a compassionate, non-judgmental environment, she guides local residents in translating complex feelings into vibrant public artwork. Ali's supportive approach builds personal confidence and enhances local wellbeing, turning shared experiences into beautiful installations that brighten the community.

1st Runner up: SENAID

Operating across Birmingham and the West Midlands since late 2023, SENAID provides vital, practical support to families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Its practical approach grounded in the problems families face guides parents through Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments, preventing escalation and encouraging a collaborative approach. This empowers parents and ensures vulnerable children have access to the tailored educational support they deserve.

Winner: Dr Aza Mohamedlaw Kurd - Kurd Clerisy organization

Bringing nearly 25 years of public service to West Bromwich, Dr Aza is a prolific journalist, author, and vital community pillar. As founder of the Ayoub School, he preserves cultural heritage by educating children in Kurdish, sports, mathematics, and the arts while establishing youth sports teams. Dr Aza provides essential mentorship to refugees, helping families navigate British culture to foster integration. His holistic approach—combining food support with educational outreach—unites residents across generations.

2. PUBLIC SERVICES AWARD

This award recognises the exceptional efforts of an officer or team from a public service body who have gone above and beyond to meet the needs of the community, enhancing service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Award Presenter: Cllr Chris Garghan, Cabinet Member for Finance at the BCC

2nd Runner up: Saba Yafai, Sandwell Council

Serving with unwavering dedication as a Public Health Development Officer in Wednesbury, Saba Yafai brings profound warmth and compassion to supporting local residents. Even while bravely facing a personal battle with cancer, she demonstrates extraordinary strength, consistently prioritising the health and wellbeing of local families. Saba's selfless commitment serves as a daily source of inspiration and the positive impact she has had on the local community cannot be overstated.

1st Runner up: FastAid Birmingham & Solihull

Operating for over 20 years, FastAid is an entirely volunteer-run Community First Responder charity dedicated to saving lives across the region. Partnering with West Midlands Ambulance Service, 40 volunteers contribute up to 1,000 hours monthly, responding to hundreds of 999 emergencies and arriving first in 65% of cases and achieving over 10 life-saving resuscitations last year, FastAid also delivers free training such as CPR to thousands of individuals, empowering local residents to save lives.

Winner: Asif Iqbal

With over 30 years of dedicated public service, advancing equality, diversity and inclusion, Asif Iqbal MBE is a nationally recognised Deaf leader who has advised institutions like the Cabinet Office and NHS England. He bridges policy and lived experience to dismantle systemic barriers. In 2026, he spearheaded Camden Council's landmark BSL Reception service, transforming access for Deaf residents.  Asif continues to work tirelessly to ensure that Deaf communities are fully included and empowered.

3. FIRE FIGHTER'S AWARD

This award recognises an exceptional firefighter or team who have risked their own lives to save people and property from fire, or who have made significant contributions to improving fire safety within the community.

Award Presenter: Ayoub Khan, MP for Perry Barr

2nd Runner up: Wolverhampton Red Watch and the Prevention Team, West Midlands Fire Service

Partnering with Prevention Officers, Wolverhampton Red Watch delivered a groundbreaking fire safety initiative for Deaf and Deafblind residents. Collaborating with specialist partners, the team created fully accessible workshops in British Sign Language. Reaching over 40 community members, this pioneering project removed communication barriers, elevated safety awareness, and established a new benchmark for inclusive prevention.

1st Runner up: Jekaterina Maciulaitiene, West Midlands Fire Service

Blending frontline firefighting experience with prevention expertise, Jekaterina Maciulaitiene delivers life-saving support to vulnerable West Midlands residents. Kat completed 121 Safe & Well visits including targeting complex hoarding and mobility risks. Using Level 3 BSL, she conducted 125 tailored safety interventions for deaf citizens and has assessed carbon monoxide risks for new mothers, keeping local communities significantly safer.

Winner: Matthew Horne, West Midlands Fire Service

Off-duty firefighter Matthew Horne demonstrated swift bravery when encountering a serious road collision in Birmingham. Taking control after a pedestrian was struck, Matthew assessed severe head injuries while keeping the casualty stabilised in freezing weather. Managing the scene until emergency services arrived, his trauma care earned high praise from paramedics, exemplifying exceptional off-duty dedication to saving lives.

4. HEALTH & WELLBEING AWARD

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a health practitioner or team who have made a significant impact to the health and well-being of the community through their unwavering dedication, going above and beyond their duty to help others.

Award Presenter: Cllr Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Community at Wolverhampton City Council

2nd Runner up: CYP Team Care in the Home, Active Care Group CiTH

Operating nationwide, the CYP Team delivers specialist care for children with complex healthcare needs, neurodiversity, and challenging behaviours. Providing tailored clinical and emotional support, the team enables young people to remain safely at home while accessing education. Their approach offers families essential respite and stability, significantly improving overall quality of life through dedicated home care.

1st Runner up: NCMP Team, Maximus UK

Formed in 2025 to transform family engagement with child health support, the National Child Measurement Programme Team proactively reaches out to parents using compassionate motivational interviewing. Addressing barriers like language and health literacy, the team has gathered direct feedback to redesign communications. Their empathetic, early-intervention model turns a stressful process into an empowering gateway to lifelong family health.

Winner: Jamma Wellbeing

Adapting its neuroscience-based Brain Smart approach for East Birmingham, Jamma Wellbeing supports women through culturally meaningful mental health support. Addressing anxiety and emotional regulation, the initiative also trains residents as peer ambassadors. The hope is to train 200 ambassadors by the end of the year. Jamma Wellbeing has helped to destigmatise mental health, provide practical meaningful support and establish a self-sustaining network of champions.

5. EDUCATION SERVICES AWARD

This award recognises an individual or team that has demonstrated innovation in creating opportunities for individuals to access or complete their education, particularly for those who may not have otherwise had the chance to study.

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

2nd Runner up: Makeela Tisdel-Jones, Luminate Education Group

Group CSR Project Coordinator at Luminate Education Group, Makeela Tisdel-Jones leads an impactful group-wide structured inclusion and cultural awareness initiative. Recently Makeela has coordinated and delivered a year-long programme across 11 cultural observances—including Black History Month and Ramadan- developing and distributing educational material. Her work fosters community cohesion and safe spaces for dialogue on cultural understanding, uniting students in cultivating respect.

1st Runner up: The Recovery and Wellbeing Academy

Jointly led by local NHS and Mind trusts alongside 31 partners, the Academy delivers accessible recovery education across Coventry and Warwickshire. Supporting over 4,000 adult learners annually, it offers co-produced and recovery focused courses spanning mental health and wellbeing. Grounded in lived experience, its stigma-free approach achieves 97% learner satisfaction—building confidence, reducing loneliness, transforming lives and easing acute service pressures.

Winner: BRAMA

From small beginnings, BRAMA, along with local partners, now delivers structured support to refugee communities, focusing on Ukrainian and Hong Kong arrivals. Led by Olga Meglinskaya, the organisation supports refugees to integrate into the community, by providing English language training and assisting with housing, emergency support and cultural visits.  They are also able to employ teachers from within the refugee community and help them through recognised UK qualifications.

6. BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE AWARD

This award recognises businesses that have made a positive and lasting contribution to their local community and/or customers, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and sustainable growth.

Award Presenter: Shokat Lal, Chief Executive of Sandwell Council

2nd Runner up: Najma Aziz, The Railway Children's Day Nursery

With over 15 years' experience in Birmingham early years education, Najma Aziz serves as a pivotal pillar for local families. Operating Railway Children's Day Nursery, running holiday food programmes, and helping to found a child contact centre, she addresses well-being needs and supports families in crisis. With compassion. Najma has offered free childcare during hardship and prioritises staff wellbeing, creating an environment that transforms care into a safety net for families.

1st Runner up: Edward Blackwell, Reloved Brum by Birmingham Hospice

As Manager of the Birmingham Hospice charity shop, Edward Blackwell has transformed thrift shopping into a vibrant community hub featuring local vendor pop-ups and a café. Driving vital funding for end-of-life care, including running marathons, Ed fosters inclusion by managing donations, hosting local events, and providing work placements for refugees, making his shop a crucial neighbourhood anchor.

Winner: Business 2 Business Limited

Celebrating 40 years in 2026, family-run Business 2 Business Ltd delivers impactful employability initiatives across the Midlands through the Restart programme. Led by Veejay Patel MBE, its diverse team speaks eight languages, enabling them to provide culturally responsive support.  The organisation has transformed lives, working closely with residents facing complex barriers to work through authentic, person-centred guidance.

7. COMMUNITY ORGANISATION AWARD

This award recognises an outstanding voluntary organisation that has made a significant and lasting impact on the community through their unwavering dedication and passion for helping others.

Award Presenter: Mike Hopkins, Principal of South and City College

2nd Runner up: Essex Therapy Dogs 

As a volunteer led charity, Essex Therapy Dogs CIO provides structured therapy dog visits across schools, care homes, and hospitals throughout Essex. Addressing anxiety, isolation, and trauma, the charity delivers measurable impacts—helping non-verbal dementia residents speak and anxious children return to school. Led by Tina Jullings, the team turns animal interactions into transformative, life-changing therapeutic connections.

1st Runner up: YSS

YSS has delivered holistic community-based support across the Marches in the West Midlands for 25 years. Locally based teams work with individuals and families experiencing disadvantage, poverty, trauma and exclusion as well as supporting people through crisis YSS aim to work transformationally, enabling individuals to reshape their future. Over the last 12 months the team of 33 have supported over 1,300 individuals delivering impactful and life changing work.

Winner: Unity in Coventry

Founded to unite the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies in a powerful collaborative way, Unity in Coventry fosters inclusivity and positive change. The organisation brings people together through events, networks and providing resources and support for personal growth. Unity in Coventry celebrates diversity, builds community ties, and ensures marginalised individuals can connect and thrive safely.

8. SOCIAL CARE & SUPPORT AWARD

This award recognises youth workers, social workers, care workers, or support teams who have gone above and beyond to safeguard vulnerable adults, children, or families, demonstrating exceptional care, compassion, and commitment.

Award Presenter: Cllr Baber Baz, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness at BCC

2nd Runner up: Andrew Cartwright, Spring Housing Association

Serving with Spring Housing Association, Andrew Cartwright delivers outreach support to homeless individuals and families facing crisis. Working with local services, Andrew provides a listening ear to understand needs and bridges critical gaps. Recognised for his advocacy and trauma-informed approach, he restores trust, stability, and dignity to marginalised residents. Andrew’s compassionate, and proactive interventions provides an essential safety anchor during acute hardship.

1st Runner up: Active Care in the Home - Active Care Group

Active Care in the Home delivers specialist care, enabling individuals with complex healthcare needs such as neurological conditions and learning disabilities to live safely in their own home. Providing tailored clinical support, they work closely with families and healthcare teams. Offering home-based care, the provider fosters independence, enables community participation, and provides essential respite and stability for families navigating complex healthcare needs.

Winner: Adavu

Led by Mohinder, Dava, and Alice, Adavu’s team delivers life-changing support to survivors of modern slavery and trafficking. Navigating the National Referral Mechanism, they walk alongside individuals who have faced complex and traumatic circumstances to build trust and secure safe housing, legal advocacy, and health services. Operating with exceptional care and commitment, Adavu prevents re-exploitation, bridges service gaps, and empowers survivors to move from crisis toward safety, independence, and recovery.

9. OFFENDER SUPPORT AWARD

This award recognises individuals or teams who have made an outstanding contribution to supporting offenders in their rehabilitation, helping them reintegrate into society through dedicated guidance, mentorship, and advocacy.

Award Presenter: Paul Drover, Assistant Chief Constable of West Midlands Police

2nd Runner up: Lindale Homes

Lindale Homes provides safe supported accommodation and recovery support for individuals overcoming addiction, homelessness, and criminal justice involvement. Combining guidance, therapeutic support and encouragement, the group breaks cycles of reoffending and substance misuse. By empowering residents to progress into volunteering, independent housing, and employment, Lindale Homes turns lived experience into individual transformation.

1st Runner up: Pete Churchill - Beating Time

Pete Churchill together with the founder of Beating Time's, he launched the first prison choir at HMP Birmingham, leading weekly singing sessions accompanied on his guitar. Providing a therapeutic lifeline, Pete creates spaces that boost well-being. Through his work in prisons, mental health settings, and as Music Director for the Choir with No Name, Pete uses music to restore confidence, dignity, and connection for marginalised individuals.

Winner: Pauline Miller Brown, Restart Enterprise CIC

Founder of Restart Enterprise CIC, Pauline, a former person resettlement manager, runs a self-sustaining commercial social enterprise across 3 prisons focusing on culturally diverse foods, fresh fruit and vegetables, specialist hair and skin care and vitamins and nutrition – gaps identified by male prisoners. Restart’s support continues beyond custody, with Through the Gate services, a discounted community food shop, volunteering and employment opportunities. For Pauline, success is when someone succeeds in the community.

10. CARE SECTOR AWARD

This award honours individuals or teams who have shown exceptional dedication in providing high-quality care, support and advocacy to vulnerable individuals ensuring their dignity, well-being, and quality of life are upheld at all times.

Award Presenter: Richard Kirby, Chief Executive of NHS Birmingham Community Health Care

2nd Runner up: Maureen Connolly, Chief Executive of Birmingham and Solihull Women's Aid

As CEO of Birmingham and Solihull Women's Aid, Maureen Connolly has dedicated over 30 years to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. Starting in 1991 as a Volunteer Coordinator, Maureen has expanded the charity to a regional lifeline, operating six refuges and providing additional support such as drop-in centres and a help line to assist over 20,000 women each year. A compassionate advocate, Maureen ensures survivors receive safety, legal support, and holistic care to rebuild independent lives.

1st Runner up: Portia Bentley, Hanley, Bucknall & Bentilee PCN

A former nurse and student specialist, Portia Bentley advocates for neurodivergent and LBGTQ+ individuals. Managing caseloads with empathy, Portia breaks down barriers for those forgotten by statutory systems—guiding men toward mental health support, raising neurodiversity awareness, and fostering workplace accommodations. By challenging stigma, encouraging independence, and offering a steady lifeline to vulnerable individuals in crisis, Portia's leadership transforms lives.

Winner: Caremark Solihull

Caremark Solihull delivers personalised home support for vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly, prioritising connection and independence. They combat loneliness by their human approach, pairing assistance with companionship and support. Recognised as a multi-year winner at the Great British Care Awards, Caremark Solihull sets a high standard in social care, providing peace of mind to families while ensuring clients remain active members of their community.

11. EARLY YEARS NURSERY SECTOR AWARD

This award recognises individuals or teams in the early years nursery sector who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to providing high-quality care, education, and support, ensuring the best start in life for young children.

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

2nd Runner up: Lesley Richards

As Community Coordinator for Thrive at Five in Bentlee and Abbey Hulton, Lesley Richards facilitates events such as free family gatherings which offer fun educational activities, healthy food, and time to bond during school holidays. Coordinating trips to local attractions, Lesley breaks down social barriers, drives cohesion, and empowers families with essential support and learning experiences.

1st Runner up: Shabnum Bi, Early Nurture Preschool

Having led Anglesey Playgroup through 3 Ofsted Outstanding judgments, Shabnum Bi founded Early Nurture Pre-School to deliver inclusive SEND support in the West Midlands. An Ofsted Outstanding provider and SEND governor, Shabnum pairs quality holistic education with community advocacy. Under her leadership, the nursery earned acclaim—including Nursery of the Year, MBCC Entrepreneur of the Year, and a Birmingham SEND Award—setting a standard for accessible early years education.

Winner: Rainbow Day Nursery

Rainbow Day Nursery restarted after a 2-year gap following a fire in an adjacent building. The nursery started with good positive feedback from Ofsted in the recent inspection. They pride themselves in providing learning and training opportunities to 15 volunteers and placement students. They are the only nursery in the country to offer free 15 hours irrespective of eligibility to all children from the age of 2.

12. TRAINING PROVIDER AWARD

This award recognises training providers who have gone above and beyond in delivering innovative, impactful training programmes that empower individuals to develop new skills, advance in their careers, and contribute positively to their communities.

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

2nd Runner up: Lorenzo Hall, Transform & Achieve

Lorenzo Hall provides transformative employability training and personalised coaching through Transform & Achieve for marginalised and long-term unemployed individuals. Drawing on over a decade of experience across community settings and DWP initiatives, Lorenzo restores participants' self-belief and builds modern workplace skills. His empathetic approach empowers people to overcome barriers, secure stable employment like NHS roles, and achieve lasting independence.

1st Runner up: Skillbase First Aid

Skillbase First Aid and Ceri Morris deliver high-impact innovative first aid and wellbeing training across the UK to equip workplaces, schools, and charities with essential emergency response skills. Through initiatives like the Mini Heroes programme, they teach children life-saving techniques in an engaging way to build early confidence. Through their first aid and mental wellbeing education, the team empowers thousands to act calmly in a crisis and potentially save lives.

Winner: Health Talks

Health Talks delivered a groundbreaking Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Health Champions pilot in Kent by co-producing a culturally tailored RSPH Level 1 health syllabus with community members. By offering training in safe environments with a paramedic and pictorial guides, the initiative breaks down barriers to NHS services and literacy. Now backed by National Lottery funding to expand into Essex, Health Talks equips peer champions to combat health inequalities and foster community empowerment.