Sutton’s Community Awards 2019 - your winners

The awards, held at the Holiday Inn Sutton, recognise the individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make Sutton a great place place to live, work and raise a family. 

More than 200 nominations were submitted across seven categories in the first Sutton Community Awards to be held in partnership between Sutton Council, Sutton Housing Partnership, Community Action Sutton and Volunteer Centre Sutton to recognise the real wealth of outstanding individuals and groups in the borough. 

A Community Spirit commendation was also presented to a group of people who came together to support their community after the tragic fire at the Hamptons, Worcester Park last month.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said: “It was wonderful to see such community spirit celebrated at the awards. From tackling domestic abuse to creating beautiful community spaces; from supporting young people to achieve their dreams to helping run charities that improve the lives of hundreds of people - the things people do in Sutton are truly remarkable. Congratulations to every everyone who was nominated. You are all winners.”  

Alison Navarro, awards host and Chief Executive of Community Action Sutton, said: "I would like to thank all of the people who put forward nominations for enabling us to celebrate the amazing work that local people, volunteers and community and voluntary sector organisations do to support our local residents. The awards evening was a testament to the community assets and resources that we have in Sutton and shows us that working together can create great things."

The winners were:

Outstanding Voluntary and Community Sector Friend: Kevin Plicio, Your.space Sutton

Presented by Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council 

Kevin has put his heart and soul into running YourSpace.Sutton at Seears Park Nursery for the past nine years, creating a beautiful community space that offers training, leisure and therapeutic activities to the local community. 

The nursery was extensively damaged when vandals set fire to the office building, but Kevin, with the help and support of other local people, has been working hard to restore the nursery to its former glory.

 

Outstanding Volunteer: Derek Terrell, MAPS Mentoring Advocacy

Presented by Anita Maullin, CEO of Volunteer Centre Sutton

Derek has been volunteering with MAPS for 10 years, mentoring young people and helping organise monthly fun, sociable meet ups for mentees and their mentors. 

Derek goes above and beyond with the young people he mentors and makes a real difference to their lives. Whether it’s skydiving, archaeology or family relationships Derek supports young people to achieve their goals and follow their dreams. 

 

Outstanding Volunteer Group: Sutton Young Carers Ambassadors, Sutton Carers Centre

Presented by The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton, Councillor Muhammad Sadiq

Sutton Young Carers Ambassadors came together two years ago, as young carers who speak out for their peers while juggling their own caring responsibilities and school and college commitments. In particular they have spoken out about the impact caring can have on your mental health - both good and bad. 

The judges felt they stood out as a unique, powerful group that contribute greatly to the community, and that having a support network like this when you’re in a hard place would mean an incredible amount. 

 

Outstanding Young Person: Rizwan Ali

Presented by Marta Rocco, Community Engagement Coordinator, Volunteer Centre Sutton

Since arriving in the UK in 2016, Rizwan has made the most of the opportunities that were available to him, making fantastic progress with his English and showing great dedication to his education. His journey is an inspiration and the judges believe that Sutton is lucky to have him!

 

Special Community Spirit Commendation

Presented by Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council to:

Mike Freter

Nicky Thompson

Lisa Maclaren

Lynn Hannah

Mary Brennan

This special, one-off award recognises the group’s tireless work to support those affected by the fire at the Hamptons, Worcester Park in September. 

From getting people safely into the community centre, to coordinating efforts of volunteers, to organising large amounts of donations, Mike, Nicky, Lisa, Lynn and Mary went above and beyond to support those directly affected by the fire and the wider Hamptons community when they needed it most. They continue to work closely with all the affected residents to ensure they receive the practical and emotional support they need after such a tragic event.

 

Outstanding Neighbour: Daniel Reader

Presented by Adam Barrett, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Sutton Housing Partnership

Daniel put his own safety on the line to protect his neighbours and tackle anti-social behaviour in his neighbourhood, working with Sutton Housing Partnership to make his area a safer place to live for everyone. 

 

Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation of the Year: Sutton Women’s Centre

Presented by Razia Sattar, Senior Organisational Development Officer, Community Action Sutton

Sutton’s Women’s Centre have drastically improved the lives of the women who they’ve supported - as well as their families. They run a wide range of activities that help women develop their skills, improve their health and wellbeing and grow in confidence. 

They have also done a fantastic job of raising awareness of domestic abuse in the borough, and offering valuable support to the community.

 

Sue Robson Trustee of the Year: Christine Lindsay (collected by Janice Funnell) 

Presented by Jenny Sims, Chair of Trustees, Community Action Sutton

A committed trustee of the Gary Mason Charity and Wallington Community Wellbeing, Christine has won thousands of pounds worth of funding for charities in Sutton and been instrumental in putting Sutton on the voluntary sector map. 

She has helped improve the health and wellbeing of people around the borough and the judges believed that without her vital projects that support local people wouldn’t be in existence.

 

View the shortlist for Sutton’s Community Awards 2019.