Your Mayor

Awards for people who have improved the lives of others

Every year, Mayor’s Awards are given to recognise people, groups and organisations who have gone above and beyond to serve the community and who have made a significant difference to the lives of our borough’s residents.

Mayor’s Awards nominations are currently closed and will reopen later this year. 

If you have any questions about Mayor’s Awards, please email [email protected]

Mayor’s Award winners 2023-24 

A number of inspirational local people and extraordinary organisations have been recognised with Mayor’s Awards this year.  

This year’s recipients of Mayor’s Awards are:

Janet Bassey

For Janet’s consistent, reliable advice and guidance to the inmates at HMP Wormwood Scrubs for nearly 20 years in her capacity as an adviser at Citizens Advice Kensington and Chelsea. Janet’s presence within the prison has been a constant reassurance for inmates throughout the years. 

This was demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic when Janet continued to provide advice and guidance to the inmates. Janet worked with the prison staff to ensure that inmates continued to receive support when there was so much uncertainty about everyday life. In addition, Janet’s continued to support inmates and the service offered by Citizens Advice Kensington and Chelsea in a voluntary capacity when there was no money to pay her – demonstrating the profound depths of her extraordinary commitment. 

Janet’s work is described as truly transformational. Working in this environment and working towards these goals is complex and technical work, but Janet has performed these duties with passion and positivity to go above and beyond in supporting this client group.

Philip Chambers

As General Manager of the K+K George Hotel, Phillip placed the hotel at the disposal of the community with such generosity, hosting countless community events and supporting so many community initiatives.

Phillip volunteered his time since 2017 to help assist the development of the Earl’s Court International Film Festival with positivity, enthusiasm, expertise and commitment.
 
Phillip has been a great community support to so many charities in the Earl’s Court area and is described as always being there when needed especially at such short notice. For example, when the rain poured down at a music event in Redcliffe Square, Phillip opened the doors to host over 200 people with only 2-hours’ notice. Instead of the event being rained off, the show went on with double the success.
 
Residents, businesses and so many community organisations are very grateful to Phillip for his ardent contribution to many different aspects of community life in Earl’s Court.

Kerry Davis-Head

For Kerry’s outstanding contribution to improving local life in the Lots Village Chelsea area. Kerry was at the forefront in the establishment of the Cremorne Residents Association (CRA) later renamed Lots Village Chelsea Association of Residents and Businesses (LVC) in which Kerry serves as Chair. Under Kerry’s enthusiastic leadership, LVC has grown to represent businesses and the wider community.
 
Kerry has been instrumental in advocating on behalf of the local community on issues such as planning, anti-social behaviour, licensing, fly tipping and conservation. This was recognised by the Council in 2011 with the CRA awarded the Gold Standard of Excellence for representing residents. Kerry’s tireless endeavours have provided a focal point for the local community to have a voice and influence in the conservation and character of the area, and in 2014, Kerry was instrumental in the area being designated as a conservation area.

Kerry has also diligently led on community social events, such as the Queen’s Jubilee Party, Summer Fete and championed LVC’s participation in the annual London in Bloom Competition – in which LVC have achieved the gold award each year since 2017 – encouraging residents and businesses alike to make Lots Village a greener and more attractive place to live and work.

Peter Ellis

As a postman in Campden ward for over 20 years, Peter is known to local residents personally because of his kindness and joyful disposition. Peter is described by local residents as modest, personable and always helpful.

Peter has dutifully helped people with disabilities and mobility issues to receive their parcels without difficulty. When the lifts were being replaced in a block of flats, Peter would have to arduously carry mail and parcels up several flights of stairs but did so with a caring nature to the appreciation of grateful residents.
   
In addition, when a resident had difficulty moving around, Peter would assist the resident to be able to leave the flat in a wheelchair during the resident’s recovery and continues to assist to this day. Residents commend Peter for his hard work, knowledge of the local area and for being ready to help beyond the normal duties required.

Leonora Ghazal

For Leonora’s exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of RBKC residents. As Earl’s Court Community Champions Project Manager at SMART, Leonora has been instrumental in addressing health inequalities and enhancing the well-being of the local community.
 
Leonora has been at the forefront of various community initiatives, including providing ESOL classes to support community integration, organising breakfast clubs using food kindly donated and sourcing and delivering food and children’s items to support individuals and families in the community.

Leonora has played a crucial role in supporting asylum seekers and refugees in the Earl’s Court area, supporting with essential food and clothing supplies and health and wellbeing sessions tailored to specific needs. The establishment of a baby bank is a testament to Leonora’s passion for making a positive impact, ensuring that parents have access to the essential resources necessary for the wellbeing of their infants. Leonora’s selfless service reflects a profound understanding of the challenges faced by residents in the local community and exemplifies the true spirit of community engagement and response.

Ramaz Kartozia

For Ramaz’s outstanding contribution to RBKC residents and the wider community in London as the Head of GCSE Maths and Science, School Director and Youth Mentor at The First Georgian Supplementary School in the UK.
 
Ramaz devotes his time, all in a voluntary capacity, to support the students. Ramaz’s endeavours has enabled graduates at the school to progress with their studies at renowned higher education institutes. The support that Ramaz has provided at the school is unparalleled and the guidance that he has provided not only extends to teaching, but also pastoral care for students.
 
Ramaz is always willing to provide extra hours to support the students and is described as a passionate, respectful and dedicated teacher-leader who empowers and encourages young people to achieve their personal best, to pass their exams successfully, to meet their dreams, and to become outstanding role models for future generations.

The Learning Club Community Association

For their dedication to supporting the lives of young people in RBKC; striving to enable children, young people and adults to collaborate with each other and enhance their educational, teamwork, IT, life and problem-solving skills.

The Learning Club Community Association have empowered young people to fulfil their potential and build a positive future by providing spaces that allow young people to feel safe through mentoring and helping to unlock talent and build life skills.

The Learning Club have excelled with their sporting provision, particularly football, with young people offered the opportunity to play at top football academies and they have also played a significant role in providing STEM workshops and projects related to curriculum subjects to support learning outside of the traditional school setting.
 
In the words of a patron: “The Learning Club is absolutely the best because it offers an inclusive, empowering, and supportive community for young people. It is a place where we can be ourselves, learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships and skills.”

Sophie Lewisohn

For Sophie’s tireless commitment to improving the lives of residents and helping to foster good relations among the wider RBKC community. As a long-time North Kensington resident, Sophie has actively sought out opportunities to support charities and community groups in a volunteer capacity.

Sophie started volunteering at the ClementJames Centre in 2003 supporting children with their reading, writing, maths and general homework. Through this initial volunteering, Sophie then served as a Trustee of the ClementJames Centre for 15 years – and a Chair for two years – and a founding Trustee at its sister charity, IntoUniversity, helping both charities to be in the position where it serves thousands of members in North Kensington and beyond.

Sophie’s dedication and care has always gone further than these formal roles. Following the Grenfell tragedy, Sophie took a lead in ensuring that there was support for the charity’s staff and volunteers who were themselves supporting survivors, the bereaved and neighbours. Sophie opened her house to the charity becoming somewhat of a haven for staff. Although Sophie left the ClementJames Centre in a formal capacity last year, Sophie is still ardently on hand to volunteer, encourage and be there for those that work at the Centre and those that access its services.

Rhea Mehta

Inspired by a deep passion for reading, Rhea founded a social impact project called ‘Reading with Rhea’ with the goal of helping to close the literacy attainment gap amongst primary school children, which was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Reading with Rhea serves as an educational video library. Rhea produces videos of classic children’s books being read aloud, with the words highlighted on the screen as they are spoken, supporting both visual and auditory learners.

The project has been well received and is being used to enhance fluency and comprehension in local primary schools by individual children in the comfort of their homes and it is also being used in libraries and further beyond. Chelsea Community Hospital School have also adopted the programme as a resource for children who are not well enough to attend regular school lessons.

Rhea’s dedication to fostering a love for reading has made a real difference to young learners in RBKC and the wider community; helping them to improve their reading skills and confidence. This devotion has seen Rhea emerge as a role model for young people and adults alike.

Luis-Miguel Morais

For PCSO Luis-Miguel's dedicated service to the local community in Abingdon ward. For almost 16 years, PCSO Luis-Miguel has built invaluable relationships with local residents and businesses going the extra mile as a local beat officer.

Often, he will support, emotionally, those affected by crime and anti-social behaviour. In addition, he will regularly check in with people in the local community to see how they are and takes pre-emptive action to avoid situations getting to the point of a reported crime, such as anti-social behaviour.

PCSO Luis-Miguel is a fountain of local knowledge and his grasp of the value of community policing is described as second to none. The local community in Abingdon are proud to have PCSO Luis-Miguel as their local beat officer who provides a constant presence of reassurance on RBKC streets.

Spencer Murray

Spencer has distinguished himself through an unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for the community’s children. As the Lead at the Portobello Dance & Performing Arts School, Spencer has shown an extraordinary commitment to creating a supportive hub for children in the world of dance and performing arts.
 
One remarkable aspect of his dedication is the inclusion of shopping for essential items when children have needed them, such as trousers or shoes. By organising these thoughtful shopping trips, Spencer ensures that children in the community have access to crucial necessities, addressing immediate needs and contributing to their well-being. Alongside the regular dance classes, Spencer has also organised holiday programmes during the school breaks with healthy food and fun activities for children.
     
Spencer's commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment is not limited to his students alone but is extended to everyone at the Tabernacle – where the school holds a residency – and the local community as seen in the programming of the school and additional outreach projects. Spencer has played a key role in ensuring that the school continues to make dance accessible to all, and that young people come together in a space that enhances social skills and self-esteem.

Vlodko Pawluk MBE

For Vlodko’s extraordinary commitment to community service making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of residents. As the Branch Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, London, Vlodko has played a pivotal role in fostering unity among Ukrainians across RBKC and beyond. Under Vlodko's leadership, the RBKC based organisation, has become a cornerstone of the Ukrainian community; preserving and promoting Ukrainian culture and language which has enriched the lives of RBKC residents, creating a vibrant cultural tapestry within the borough.

Vlodko has been at the fore of the Ukraine response in the borough, transforming their premises into a humanitarian hub, serving as a refuge and a lifeline for those in need. Additionally, as a Governor at St. Mary’s Ukrainian School, Vlodko has actively supported initiatives to help displaced children settle in school. 

Amid extremely difficult circumstances, Vlodko has shown tremendous resilience, empathy and compassion that has made a significant and positive impact on the lives of so many people.

Colin Simmons

For Colin’s dedication to delivering and fostering play services that go above and beyond to provide a safe, fun and enriching space for children. As the Rugby Portobello Trust’s Lead on all day holiday play, Colin is committed to providing as wide a range of activities, opening the children up to new experiences and opportunities, including steel pan drumming, carnival activities, dance and much more.
 
Colin created the Play Ambassadors Programme working with local partners and schools to encourage children/young people from secondary schools to attend the programme as Play Ambassadors, helping young people to gain skills and experience by taking on small tasks to support the staff team and children. Colin also created ‘Friday Awards’ for the children attending the Play service. Every week children who have achieved something, worked hard, or overcome an obstacle are recognised and celebrated with their friends.
 
Colin is described as phenomenal, kind and wonderful and has dedicated decades of his life to promoting play for children, understanding the many benefits for children – building their creativity, imagination, friendships, as well as mental and physical health.