Community Heroes winners and nominees

In early 2026, we received nearly 140 nominations, highlighting the many local people, groups, organisations and businesses who have selflessly volunteered their time and efforts going above and beyond to improve their communities and people’s lives throughout 2025.

Award categories

• Business Contribution in the Community
• Community Group of the Year
• Community Project of the Year
• Community Spirit Award
• Environmental Award
• Lifetime Achievement
• Outstanding Volunteer
• Trustee of the Year
• Young Person Achievement

View our virtual event programme for 2025-26 to meet all our shortlisted nominees.

2025-26 winners and shortlisted nominees

The winners and shortlisted nominees for each category can be found below.

Business Contribution in the Community

Winner: The Cabbage Patch  

Shortlisted:

• Barch Gym
• F45 Teddington
• Thai Upon Thames

Community Group of the Year

Winner: Homelink Day Care Respite Centre  

Shortlisted:

• Brighter Together  
• English Speaking Club  
• Shepherd’s Star  

Community Project of the Year

Winner:  Relationship Support Project - United Response  

Shortlist:  

• Explore Project - Shepherd's Star
• Housing Project– Research & Campaigns Team, Citizens Advice
• Walk and Talk Group - Princess Alice Hospice

Community Sprit Award

Winner: Alina Luts  

Shortlist:  

• Ciara Curran
• David Chandler
• Nikki Goldstone  

Environmental Award

Winner: 6th Form Ham Lands Volunteers  

Shortlist:  

• Dr Michael de Podesta  
• Thai Upon Thames  

Lifetime Achievement

Winner: Phil Brady  

Highly commended:  

• Joan Barnett  
• Joy Lee   
• Patricia Maskell   
• Wendy Brown   

Shortlist:  

• Anna Belej  
• Charles Campion  
• Elaine Heanue  
• Maureen Woods  
• Sue Morell  

Outstanding Volunteer

Winner: Tasha Sorhaindo  

Highly commended:  

• Derek Papworth   
• Eddie Thomas   
• Emma Love   
• Remo Grasso   

Shortlist:  

• Antonia Alves  
• Cornelia Costeau  
• Danielle Robinson  
  Hubert Guidon  
• Judith Cseh-Menczer  
• Lynn McInnes  
• Pamela Dixon  
• Yair Gal  

Trustee of the Year

Winner: David Cope  

Shortlist:  

• Alison Goodbrand  
• Sue Pendle  

Young Person Achievement

Winner: Vidhi Saurav  

Shortlist:

• 6th Form Ham Lands Volunteers  
• Daisy Jones  
• Howard Thomas  
• Katie Evans  
• Phoebe Staple  

In Memoriam

This year’s awards also included In Memoriam recognition for three much loved community figures who sadly passed away this year, but whose impact continues to shape Richmond. The Council honoured Chris Manning, Andy Sutch and Stuart Sandys.