Published: Wednesday 1 November 2023
Nominations have now opened for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Mayor’s Awards 2024.
The awards are an annual opportunity to celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to life in Kensington and Chelsea. This could be residents running initiatives to improve mental and physical wellbeing, those serving on community forums to strengthen community safety as well as champions of culture and heritage in the borough.
Make a nomination via the Council’s website, in the following three categories:
- Individual Contribution
- Young Achiever
- Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation
The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Cllr Preety Hudd, said:
“Kensington and Chelsea is home to many inspirational people, incredible groups and extraordinary organisations that make it a special place to live, work, study and visit.
“We want to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes and dedicated organisations that make a selfless contribution to the lives of others.
“I strongly encourage people to put forward nominations for individuals, groups and organisations that go above and beyond to serve their local communities, so that they can get the recognition that they deserve.”
Last year, Mayor’s Awards were presented to 13 winners. Bikeworks won the Local Community Organisation Award in 2023.
Zoe Portlock, Co-Founder of Bikeworks said:
“It's great to see our team, including volunteers, get recognised, they're out in all weathers throughout the year making a difference in the community. At Bikeworks we believe everyone should have access to cycling. Using the bicycle for good to increase physical activity, wellbeing and connectivity. For the majority of members, this is the only exercise they can access."
On behalf of Swimunity, Sarraounia Samuels said:
“It is an incredible honour as it shows that our work and the service we provide is valued and appreciated by the community we operate in. We wanted to bring the healing benefits of swimming to those who need them. By removing the economic and cultural barriers to learning to swim, we wanted to provide a safe space in which children and adults can learn a life saving skill, be vulnerable and develop their resilience.”
Winners will be selected by a seven-person judging panel comprised of:
- Cllr Preety Hudd, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
- Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council
- Cllr Kasim Ali, Leader of the Labour Group at Kensington and Chelsea Council
- Cllr Linda Wade, Leader of the Liberal Democrats’ Group at Kensington and Chelsea Council
- Michael Ashe, CEO of Volunteer Centre Kensington and Chelsea
- Angela Spence, CEO of Kensington and Chelsea Social Council
- AJ Tumlos, Youth Mayor of the Royal Borough Kensington and Chelsea.
Nominations will close at 5.00pm on Monday 22 January 2024.
An award ceremony will be held in Spring 2024 to celebrate the winners in each category.
Mayor’s Awards nomination form and guidance