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 Tuesday 17 February 2026. It brought together organisations, local leaders and volunteers. With over 80 nominations, the awards highlighted the remarkable efforts of those working within the voluntary sector.
2026 Award winners and highly commended
Large Voluntary Group of the Year – Recognising groups with an annual income over £1m
- Winner: Kitchen Volunteer Team at Providence Row
Medium Voluntary Group of the Year – Recognising groups with an annual income between £150k and £1m
- Winner: Leaders in Community
- Winner: Women's Inclusive Team
Small Voluntary Group of the Year – Recognising groups with an annual income under £150k
- Winner: Glamis Adventure Playground
- Highly Commended: Bromley by Bow Community Organisation (BBBCO)
- Highly Commended: Papa Young CIC
Young Volunteer of the Year – Recognising young people dedicated to community service
- Winner: Nadia Boksh - Future Kidz Development
- Highly Commended: Ihsanul Hoque – Limehouse Project
- Highly Commended: Nafis Meah – Trapped in Zone One
Volunteer of the Year – Celebrating individuals who have shown outstanding dedication
- Winner: Nasima Islam – Wish Foundation
- Highly Commended: Abdul Hussain – Inner London Football League
- Highly Commended: Maya Zahra Li-Rahman – Half Moon Theatre
Lifetime Achievement Award – Honouring volunteers with at least 10 years of service
- Winner: Farida Yesmin - Limehouse Project
- Highly Commended: Naz Hussain – Bromley By Bow Community Organisation
- Highly Commended: Sufia Alam – Maryam Centre
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.