Your mayor

Monday 20 January 2025
Nominations for the Mayor’s Awards 2025 are now closed. Nominations for the 2026 awards will reopen later this year.

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 Award winners 2024-25

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:

Bethel Abener

Dedicated to supporting the academic success of younger students of the Telt Ethiopia Supplementary School, Bethel took personal initiative to volunteer her time to teach Maths and Amharic to children in the years below. The support Bethel provides has continued for over a year and has made a real difference to the educational foundation of the children. Bethel also uses her digital skills to create engaging content showcasing the work of the children.    

Through Bethel’s support, the students’ confidence and understanding has grown and learning Amharic has helped the students connect with their cultural heritage and communicate effectively in the community. Bethel does all of this with a friendly and approachable manner, as well as juggling it alongside her own studies and personal commitments.   

Bethel is a positive role model not only within the school but also the wider community; strengthening bonds between students of different ages, reinforcing a shared cultural identity, and encouraging others to engage with volunteering opportunities.  

John Amphlet

Following the passing of John’s wife from complications with Parkinson’s Disease 18 years ago, he has been committed to helping others who suffer from the disease. John established a memorial lecture which for over 10 years, shared cutting-edge research on the disease and raised over £100,000.   

In 2011, John became the Chair of Parkinson’s UK’s support group for Kensington and Chelsea, where over 10 years it was transformed into the most active and vibrant support group in London, going from 10 to over 200 members.   

John was focused on providing practical and emotional support to all those affected by the disease; sufferers and carers alike. With the knowledge of activities that benefit those who suffer from Parkinson’s Disease, John introduced exercise classes, singing, and social events, with many other groups following John’s lead. Even when faced with the challenges presented by lockdown, John ensured that members stayed connected through virtual initiatives, such as the Film Club.   

Despite stepping down as Chair at the age of 84, John has remained on the Committee and is a valuable sounding board due to his years of experience and knowledge. John remains someone that members turn to for his kindness, warmth and friendship. 

Carolyn Arnold

As the Chair of Clarendon Cross Residents Association (CCRA) over many years, Carolyn has effectively improved the area, by supporting new local businesses and attracting funding streams. When issues such as the closure of the Notting Hill Police Station and the regular closures of Holland Park tube station are raised, Carolyn works closely with partners to amplify resident views and look for solutions, as well as maintaining active communication with residents.   

Carolyn is acutely aware that Clarendon Cross shares its neighbourhood boundaries with communities that are still healing from the Grenfell Tragedy, and under Carolyn’s guidance, residents and members of CCRA have helped fund educational projects, with the local primary school – St Clement & St James – receiving funding to buy essential equipment.   

Despite being a voluntary role, Carolyn selflessly dedicates a considerable amount of time and effort to resolve issues for the betterment of the local community. Carolyn is always happy to listen, discuss options to problems, and pull together a team to make things happen, and always with a smile. 

Aara Bhatia

From the age of a toddler, Aara has helped her mother at the local arts and crafts winter fair, and at only seven years old, Aara asked to run her own stall in aid of West London Action for Children (WLAC).    

Aara has continued to fundraise for WLAC for eight years at a number of events, including the annual winter fair in which she operates her stall entirely independently. Creating handmade jewellery and sourcing items to sell, Aara donates 100% of sale proceeds to the charity. Aara confidently talks to customers about the charity and raises awareness of their work.   

Planning ahead, Aara ensures that there is enough stock ready to sell and arrives early to set up the stall beautifully, and most recently, invited commissions and made items of jewellery at the event itself. Over the years, Aara has inspired other young people in the community to volunteer at fundraising events, many of whom did not realise children were able to help until they saw Aara running her own stall. 

Rosslyn Chuang

Over the past three years, Rosslyn has worked as a Young Ambassador for Young K&C and has championed the needs of children and young people across the borough, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities. Rosslyn has sat on the grant panel which has delivered over £100,000 directly to voluntary and community sector organisations in the borough.    

Rosslyn’s impact is tangible; after raising the issue of bright lights in sessions at a local youth club being potentially overwhelming for those with autism, the organisation installed dimmers within their space to accommodate the needs of those with autism. During her work experience at Young K&C, Rosslyn designed questionnaires for the grant programme to ensure the inclusion of relevant information about the impact for young people with SEND.   

Rosslyn regularly advocates for a range of other groups too, including girls, those from the LGBT+ community, and young refugees, by centring their voices in discussions which would otherwise exclude their voices. 

Julius Cook

Over the past year, Julius has been a dedicated volunteer at Lancaster West Estate, helping to support the aim of delivering a green estate by creating spaces where residents can plant, grow their own vegetables, and improve their health and wellbeing in green spaces.   

Julius has dedicated time every single week to consistently volunteer for the benefit of the residents and to show support to the community, despite not living on the estate himself. For example, Julius has been instrumental in delivering the Garden Balcony MOT scheme which transforms elderly and disabled residents’ gardens and balconies.    

Julius is friendly, approachable and patiently shares his horticultural knowledge, helping residents to develop new skills and more importantly, gain a sense of self-fulfilment. Julius’ commitment to sustainability and community engagement demonstrates his thoughtful approach to creating meaningful, lasting contributions that help to create a greener, more connected community that is better for people and the planet.  

Rosemarie Easom

As Chair of the Campden Houses Residents Association, Rosemarie has taken on residents’ problems by providing practical and emotional support. Although the role is voluntary, Rosemarie spends countless hours to solve the issues of the residents, continuously putting the needs of the residents above her own.   

Rosemarie has also brought together other, smaller resident groups, helping them get started and grow, bringing the wider community together. Last year, Rosemarie was the main organiser of the Campden Ward Community Summer Event in which over £1,000 was raised for The Felix Project.    

Despite being uncomfortable with public speaking, Rosemarie successfully hosted the Kensington and Chelsea Residents’ Summit, which brought together key officers and the Lead Member, and enabled residents to put forward ideas and raise concerns. Rosemarie goes above and beyond to champion the views of local people and in doing so has made a significant positive difference in the lives of many local people.

Karim Keita

Dedicated to the work of the Earl’s Court Youth Club, Karim volunteers by coaching younger children in football, but also helping them with behaviour management. This support leaves a profound influence on the lives of these children and provides them with a safe space.    

Karim uses his intuition to understand and cater to each child’s needs, especially those who are facing challenges such as social anxiety. Karim ensures that every child feels included, valued, and encouraged to succeed, and exceptionally balances fairness with empathy. The children are left with a longstanding feeling of community, belonging and self-belief.   

Karim’s contributions extend beyond football coaching; regularly volunteering at the homework club and also running a table tennis club, offering diverse opportunities for young people to thrive. Despite studying for his own A-level exams, Karim’s commitment did not falter, and Karim continues to volunteer without any thought of recognition.  

Rohan Mehta

Inspired by the often overlooked or left-behind airline toiletry bag, Rohan founded the voluntary initiative ‘In the Bag’, which provides cost-free hygiene kits to those suffering hardship in the borough.    

Recipients not only receive essential amenities, Rohan also includes a card with uplifting words to remind people that they are seen and valued, as well as a short handbook outlining job-seeking skills. Rohan is dedicated to sourcing sustainable materials and collaborates with local businesses and homeless shelters to ensure that the kits make a tangible difference.   

Despite Rohan’s busy daily life, which includes studying for his A-levels, he continues to dedicate his free time to help those suffering from homelessness. Rohan’s ambition continues as he hopes to source sponsors for pay-as-you-go phone cards to include in his bags, to empower homeless job seekers to connect with job centres and potential employers. 

Sally Nkrumah

Sally has gone above and beyond to serve the community and make a lasting difference in the lives of residents through her tireless dedication. As a Community and Maternity Champion, Sally has played a vital role in supporting individuals and families, particularly those facing challenges. Sally has organised a wide range of activities aimed at promoting well-being, fostering community spirit, and ensuring that everyone feels included and supported.   

Sally is always ready to assist with practical matters, such as helping residents submit forms or connecting them with specialised organisations. Moreover, Sally has been a source of inspiration and guidance for younger generations, encouraging students and apprentices to pursue their aspirations.     

Sally’s efforts during challenging times, such as supporting the community through crises or advocating for vulnerable residents, have truly set her apart as beacon of positivity and support for all. Sally’s ability to bring people together, foster hope, and create meaningful change has made her an indispensable part of the RBKC community.

Marcus Wood

As a dedicated volunteer at the Pepper Pot Centre (PPC) in North Kensington, Marcus Wood has, for over 9 years, gone the extra mile by providing countless hours of service to the community, which has made a positive difference in the lives of residents. Marcus is ever present at the PPC, providing a constant reassuring presence to ensure everyone and everything is well taken of.    

Marcus’s friendly and caring nature makes him popular with everyone and is what sets him apart. Whether it’s helping with tasks, offering emotional support, or simply being a friendly face to talk to, Marcus is there to make everyone feel safe, cared for, valued and welcome. Marcus also gets involved in games, especially dominoes, bringing energy and enthusiasm that encourages others to join in.   

Marcus embodies the spirit of the PPC through his selflessness, positive energy, and ability to bring people together, which has enhanced the strong sense of community at the PPC. 

Clothes Bank KC

Clothes Bank KC have supported hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers by collecting donations of clothing and other essential items to ensure that individuals and families have the basics.    

The clothes bank was considered to be a short-term option, but is now established as a three day a week service. This is an enormous commitment with which all at the Clothes Bank KC have created a safe environment for refugees and asylum seekers to receive essential items and be signposted to other relevant services, but it has also provided peace, a sense of dignity and belonging to those who have experienced unimaginable hardships. Several clients have, in turn, contributed their time and service because of the acceptance and unity they feel at Clothes Bank KC.    

Clothes Bank KC have shown extraordinary care, commitment and selflessness in supporting refugees and asylum seekers that have been placed in the borough. Their dedication and compassion has had a lasting positive impact in RBKC and their continued work is inspirational.  

Nova New Opportunities

Nova have consistently gone above and beyond in holistically supporting residents; making a profound and lasting difference in their lives, especially through their employment support programme, health and wellbeing activities and initiatives such as the Money MOT project, which has provided invaluable, on-the-ground, one-to-one support to over 100 residents from the Lancaster West Estate and North Kensington.    

In addition, Nova advocates for residents facing a range of complex issues, including mental health challenges, addiction, and physical health problems. Through one-on-one support and advocacy, they connect residents with the appropriate services to ensure residents receive the care they need by gaining access to a wider support network.   

Nova’s dedication to improving the lives of residents has empowered individuals to enhance their financial stability, mental and physical health, and overall well-being. Through their compassionate, empathetic and comprehensive approach, Nova truly sets the standard for community care and support.  

Nucleo

Nucleo have been recognised for their immense contribution to the musical and cultural enrichment of children and young people in the borough. Through Nucleo’s free musical provision, including free instruments, they have made musical education accessible for young people irrespective of their background; supporting young people to come together to create a strong musical community in which they feel a sense of belonging, camaraderie and pride.   

Nucleo’s supportive environment and dedicated teachers have nurtured the talents of children and young people by providing a space for growth, expression, and shared joy through the arts and music. In this way, Nucleo enriches the musical journey of young people, but also strengthens their connection to the local community.   

In the words of a parent: “Nucleo is not just an organisation offering music lessons. They are an organisation that go above and beyond to give children from all walks of life an opportunity to be part of an inclusive community that supports individuality, growth, and teamwork.”  

Solidarity Sports

Since its inception, Solidarity Sports has been dedicated to using the power of sport, education, and community to help children heal and thrive. By providing children with opportunities to engage in fun, accessible sports and activities, the charity has nurtured their physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Solidarity Sports have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating positive, lasting memories for children who have faced significant challenges in their lives. The charity has developed a compassionate, comprehensive approach to supporting children recovering from complex trauma, offering a wide range of programmes, including sports, healthy eating initiatives, arts, educational trips, mentorship, and even life-changing holidays.

Solidarity Sport’s care and support was particularly crucial in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. By offering immediate assistance to children and families affected by the tragedy, Solidarity Sports provided a safe space for children to process their grief, access emotional support, and engage in healing activities like sports and arts, which helped children and families to regain a sense of normalcy and stability during an incredibly challenging time. Through its continuous commitment, innovation, and care, Solidarity Sports has truly made a meaningful positive impact in the lives of RBKC residents

Contact us

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

Further information

Find out more about previous winners of the Mayor's Awards.