On Thursday, March 22, London Borough of Redbridge and Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Linda Huggett, recognised individuals, businesses and community groups who have dedicated their time to help others in Redbridge at the Mayor’s Community Awards 2018. Coolherbals has been a proud sponsor of the event alongside SBI, London School of Management Education and Raffingers.
The winners had been selected from six categories and the winner of the Young Citizen of the Year award has also been revealed. Community award nominations were submitted by members of the public and shortlisted by a panel.
Awards had also been given to the best business contribution; the best neighborhood and community champion; showing the most pride in the borough; caring for others; supporting young people and creating a safer borough.
Below are this year’s winners:
Best Business Contribution to the Community
- Group award winner – Steven Day & Sally Woodfield from Kenneth More Theatre. Awarded for working tirelessly to provide first class entertainment for residents and turning the fortunes of the Kenneth More Theatre around against all the odds.
- Individual award winner – Gracy Metilda of Chosen Care Group. Awarded for creating approximately 1000 jobs locally, particularly helping those on benefits to entering employment and enabling 450 people to progress onto jobs or higher qualifications.
Community / Neighbourhood Champion
- Group award winner – Glencoe Avenue Residents Group (GARG). Awarded for making the street a community with a fantastic range of activities held throughout the year
- Individual award winner – Owais Niaz. Awarded for volunteering on the Active Together project and being a huge support, inspiring residents of four estates to lead a more physically active lifestyle.
Taking Pride in Redbridge
- Awarded to Geetisha Neermul for contributing time, energy and enthusiasm in making Redbridge a cleaner and greener place.
Caring for others in Redbridge
- Group award winner – Women in Need. Awarded for starting a Facebook Group that sources essential items for local women’s refuges
- Individual award winner – Sudarshan Kapur. Awarded for being a healthcare advocate, raising awareness of many health issues among the community and for raising more than £10,000 for charities operating in Redbridge.
Contribution in Support of young people
- Dee Conlon. Awarded for her dedication to changing young people’s lives and for being a parent to students when parents can’t or won’t so young people know there is someone that cares.
Creating a Safer Redbridge
- Awarded to Redbridge CVS (Appropriate Adult Volunteer Scheme). Since May 2016 volunteers attended over 400 interviews or other things which required support for a vulnerable person. This service allows for a quicker process for persons in custody and provides the support they require in a situation that may be daunting.
Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award
- Winner Isaac Harvey
- Runner Up was Jamala Osman
