Sutton Community Awards 2025
Recognising the Heart and Soul of Our community
Each year, Sutton's Community Awards recognise remarkable people across the borough. For 2025 we received over 300 nominations for individuals, groups and organisations who were all celebrated at an awards ceremony held on Wednesday 26 November at the CryerArts Centre in Carshalton.
Sutton's Community Awards are run in partnership between the Council, Community Action Sutton, Sutton Housing Partnership and Volunteer Centre Sutton with Everyone Active as our proud sponsors.
The awards aim to celebrate the individuals, volunteers, community groups and businesses that have made an exceptional contribution to Sutton. It is this community spirit, collaboration and innovation that will get us through the times ahead. We are stronger together.
Our 2025 winners:
Environment Champion - Friends of Oaks Park
The Friends of Oaks Park are a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers who have been actively caring for and enhancing the natural environment of Oaks Park since their formal establishment in 1997. They work tirelessly to protect biodiversity, support conservation, and engage the local community in meaningful environmental action.
Community Inclusion Champion - Brian Duffus of the Duffus Community Foundation
Brian launched Unity Junction, a vibrant community hub located in the St Nicholas Shopping Centre. Unity Junction is a place where connections are made and isolation is broken down.
He is a pillar of the Sutton community and his tireless work has created a lasting resource that makes Sutton more inclusive, connected and a better place to live.
Health and Wellbeing Champion - Noor Sumun
Noor was recognised for his tireless dedication, compassionate service and unwavering commitment to improving the physical and mental wellbeing of residents across the London Borough of Sutton. Noor has over 40 years of experience in the NHS. Through his volunteering work, he continues to champion initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles, support mental wellbeing, and strengthen community resilience.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - Hospice Wellbeing Team, St Raphael’s Hospice
St Raphael’s Hospice, Wellbeing Centre (WBC) serves as a vibrant and inclusive community hub for people across Sutton and Merton. Through a wide range of non-clinical, social-therapeutic programmes, supporting individuals living with life-limiting conditions, carers, and those who are bereaved.
Outstanding Young Person - Stevie White
Stevie’s organisational skills, maturity and “get things done” attitude has been recognised by all that work with her. Leading a small team including those of a similar age, Stevie shows a great flair for encouraging others, especially of a similar age and is the perfect example of how to gain experience from volunteering.
Sue Robson Trustee of the year - Mike Thorn
Mike is Chairman of the Trustees at Historic Croydon Airport Trust. He first became a member of Croydon Airport Society in the 1980s and then joined as a volunteer in 2020. As Chairman, he has overseen the smooth running of public open days, organised and delivered countless engaging talks, and led private guided tours - all with passion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to preserving and promoting the unique aviation heritage.
Marlene Heron Tenant of the Year - Joint winnes Harriet Sowah and Helen and John Woods
Harriet is an inspiring resident, who's found a way to bring nature to her community. Rather than throwing away seeds from her supermarket-bought fruits and vegetables, Harriet reuses them, transforming once empty areas of the communal garden into vibrant growing patches.
Helen and John’s dedication to creating stunning flower displays throughout the estate has truly transformed the community. Not only do their floral arrangements bring beauty and cheer, but they have also sparked a wonderful ripple effect, inspiring many other residents to add to their own balconies and gardens with flowers and plants. Their efforts have created a brighter, more beautiful, and more engaging environment.
Voluntary and Community Sector of the Year - Robert Watson - RWW Foundation Christmas Toy Appeal
The RWW foundation over the last 13 or so years has become a necessity in Sutton. This charity donates Christmas gifts to over 3500 local children each year who are living in disadvantaged conditions, staying in hospital or sadly in a hospice. The RWW foundation advocates that EVERYONE should feel the magic of Christmas!
Outstanding Volunteering Group - Sutton Sea Cadets
This dedicated team of volunteers impact the lives of local children. They provide crucial structure and engaging activities, offering young people purpose and a positive alternative to being on the streets. Their commitment requires significant personal time, dedication, and effort to organise and deliver all cadet programs.
Outstanding Volunteer - David Burchell
David’s extraordinary and tireless commitment to St John Ambulance, where he has volunteered for over 60 years, with nearly 50 dedicated to the Sutton community. This local hero provides a reassuring first aid presence at countless local events and training the public in life-saving skills. Beyond his regular duties, David has inspired generations of young people through 48 St John Ambulance cadet summer camps, fostering confidence and practical skills. His remarkable dedication, compassion, and mentorship have created a profound and lasting legacy, making this recognition a fitting tribute to his invaluable role in building a safer Sutton community.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Mark Tomlinson - Sutton Community Works
Mark is recognised as an exemplary visionary leader and the driving force behind Sutton Community Works (SCW), which he has led for 20 years, profoundly impacting vulnerable lives in the borough. His dedication is evidenced by the creation of multiple life-changing initiatives: he established Street Pastors (2005), which deploys 45 volunteers weekly to offer support on the streets; set up the Foodbank (2009), which assists thousands annually; launched School Pastors (2011) to support resilient youth development; and founded the Community Food Shop (2020)!