Ordinary people, extraordinary impact: Richmond’s community heroes honoured

From saving surplus food to fight hunger, to protecting green spaces and helping to uplift the most vulnerable among us – some of Richmond upon Thames’ most inspiring grassroots initiatives were celebrated last night at the 2025 Community Heroes Awards.

The annual event, organised by Richmond Council, shines a spotlight on the individuals, groups, organisations and businesses whose tireless efforts make the borough a more compassionate, inclusive and sustainable place to live.

Councillor Nancy Baldwin, Richmond Council’s Spokesperson for Communities, Equalities and the Voluntary Sector, praised the finalists and winners, highlighting the extraordinary breadth of grassroots action locally.

“At the heart of Richmond upon Thames is a powerful spirit of kindness, generosity and connection.

“Our Community Heroes remind us that lasting change often begins with small, consistent acts of care – whether it’s a volunteer offering a friendly lift or someone standing alongside a neighbour through hardship.

“These humble members of our community dedicate their time and talents to tackling inequality, championing inclusion, protecting the environment and building strong, resilient communities.”

With more than 150 nominations across 10 categories, the awards showcased powerful stories of compassion, innovation and leadership from every corner of the borough.

This year’s winners are:

• WR-AP (Business Contribution in the Community) – for championing environmental conservation in Petersham Common and Ham Lands, protecting biodiversity and connecting residents to nature. 
• Cocoon - Care After Care (Communities Together) – for providing much-needed emotional and practical support to care-experienced young adults.
• Richmond Soup Kitchen (Community Group of the Year) – for creating an inclusive, volunteer-led service offering food and companionship to those in need. 
• Vine Road Community Growing Project (Community Project of the Year) – for tackling food insecurity and isolation through community gardening and wellbeing activities.
• Jamie Toma (Community Spirit Award) – for founding a self-funded playgroup providing an essential support network for struggling families.
• Surplus to Supper (Environmental Award) – for rescuing surplus food and transforming it into thousands of meals while tackling food waste.
• Sue Garner (Lifetime Achievement Award) – for decades of dedicated support to carers of people with mental health challenges.
• Wendy Salmon (Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award) – for her enduring impact through the co-founding of local charities supporting children and families in Hampton.
• Shane Forrester (Outstanding Volunteer Award) – for using his lived experience to offer practical and emotional support to rough sleepers with homelessness charity SPEAR. 
• Kate McCormack (Trustee of the Year) – for transformative leadership at the Cambrian Community Centre, strengthening local services.
• Eliza Downes (Young Person Achievement Award) – for her empathy and dedication supporting young people with additional needs through Riding for the Disabled sessions at the Horse Rangers Association. 

The ceremony also featured a special Leader’s Award, presented by Council Leader Councillor Gareth Roberts, recognising the invaluable contributions of local foster carers.

Sue Richards was honoured for dedicating more than 20 years to fostering, providing care, love and stability to some of the borough’s most vulnerable children.

Councillor Baldwin added: “These awards are our opportunity to say thank you.

“Our nominees may not seek the spotlight, but their impact is deeply felt and truly inspiring. They make Richmond upon Thames not just a place to live, but a place to belong.”

You can find out more about becoming a foster carer on the Achieving for Children website.

Learn more about this year's Community Heroes Awards and explore the inspiring stories behind our shortlisted nominees.