Voluntary and Community Sector Awards
The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Awards celebrate the incredible contributions of volunteers and community organisations that make a lasting impact in Tower Hamlets. This annual event honours individuals and groups that go above and beyond to support residents, strengthen communities, and drive positive change across the borough.
This year’s ceremony took place on Thursday 30 January, in the Grocers’ Wing of Whitechapel Town Hall. It brought together organisations, local leaders and volunteers. With over 170 nominations, the awards highlighted the remarkable efforts of those working within the voluntary sector.
2025 Award Winners and highly commended
Large Voluntary Group of the Year – Recognising groups with an annual income over £1m
- Winner: The Royal Foundation of St Katharine
- Highly Commended: St Hilda’s East
Medium Voluntary Group of the Year – Recognising groups with an annual income between £150k and £1m
- Winner: Limehouse Project
- Highly Commended: Streets of Growth
Small Voluntary Group of the Year – Recognising groups with an annual income under £150k
- Winner: Vallance Community Sports Association
- Highly Commended: Mile End Community Project and JustSmiles Original
Young Volunteer of the Year – Recognising young people dedicated to community service
- Winner: Alexis Williams
- Highly Commended: Jason Clark and Mohammed Imad Hussain
Volunteer of the Year – Celebrating individuals who have shown outstanding dedication
- Joint winners: James Ford and Mel Pinet
- Highly Commended: Phillip Reddaway and Tom Elliott
Lifetime Achievement Award – Honouring volunteers with at least 10 years of service
- Winner: Koyes Ali
- Highly Commended: Rashid Ali
Looking ahead: Continuing the celebration
The VCS Awards will now happen every year to recognise the important work done by volunteers and local groups in Tower Hamlets. The event not only celebrates their achievements but also helps people work together, share good ideas and inspire more community involvement.
Tower Hamlets is dedicated to supporting these efforts and making sure everyone’s contributions are appreciated.
Check this page for updates about the 2026 VCS Awards.