awards26

In June, volunteers, community groups and local organisations from across the borough came together at All Saints Church, Kingston, for the Kingston Celebrating Communities Awards 2026.

Now in its third year, the awards celebrate the remarkable people and organisations whose dedication and commitment make a real difference to communities across the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

More than 200 guests attended the event to recognise the achievements of individuals, teams and organisations across eight categories.

The awards were hosted by Louise Footner, Executive Director of Residents and Communities at Kingston Council, and Sanja Djeric-Kane, CEO of Kingston Voluntary Action, who joined together to honour the volunteers and community champions helping to make Kingston a stronger, fairer and more connected borough.

Winners and Highly Commended:

Community Innovation Award
Winner: Ariadne's Thread Group Team
Highly Commended: Staywell

Community Team Award
Winner: RBKares Volunteer Team
Highly Commended: Kingston Cadets

Fairer Community Award
Winner: Kingston Mencap
Highly Commended: RBKares Wellbeing Team

Greener Community Award
Winner: Queen's Promenade Friends
Highly Commended: Damon Hart-Davis - Kingston Environment Forum, Transition Town Kingston

Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Anne Cann - Staywell
Highly Commended: John Bangs - Kingston Carers Network

Unsung Hero Award
Winner: Rajitha Cruz - Malarum Ithayanga
Highly Commended: Amanda Simner - Kingston Young Carers

Volunteer Impact Award
Winner: Patsyann Rose - Barnfield Riding For The Disabled 
Highly Commended: Thomas James (TJ) Brackley - Family Hubs

Young Volunteer Award
Winner: Isaac Myhill - Man & Boy
Highly Commended: Carolina Glass - LEAH / Learn English At Home

A special Legacy Award was presented in memory of the late Ann Macfarlane OBE, recognising her extraordinary contribution to independent living, disability rights and the Kingston community. Through decades of leadership, advocacy and dedication, Ann championed equality and inclusion, leaving a lasting legacy across the borough.
 
Thank you to everyone involved in making the event a night to remember.