Published: Monday 26 October 2026
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make Kensington and Chelsea a better place? Now’s your chance to give them the recognition they deserve, as nominations open for this year’s Mayor’s Awards.
The awards celebrate the outstanding individuals, groups and organisations making a positive difference to the lives of those who live, work, study or visit the borough.
Whether it’s residents bringing people together through a gardening project that boosts wellbeing, or a young person dedicating their spare time to helping schoolchildren improve their literacy skills, we want to hear about the people making a difference in Kensington and Chelsea.
Make a nomination via the Council’s website, in the following three categories:
- Individual Contribution
- Young Achiever
- Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation
Nominations will close at 5pm on Monday 18 January 2027.
The Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, Cllr Janet Evans, said:
“Kensington and Chelsea is a borough full of creative and inspiring individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to selflessly help those around them.
"During my time as Mayor, I have had the pleasure of meeting countless people who are doing something exceptional for their community, with no expectation of anything in return. The Mayor’s Awards are your opportunity to shine a light on their hard work and make them feel appreciated.
"Don’t let this opportunity to recognise their efforts pass you by. I look forward to reading your nominations and hearing about K&C’s unsung heroes.”
Who will choose the winners?
Winners will be selected by a six-person judging panel:
- Cllr Janet Evans, Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea
- Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council
- Cllr Monica Press, Leader of the Labour Group at Kensington and Chelsea Council
- Michael Ashe, CEO of Volunteer Centre Kensington and Chelsea
- Angela Spence, CEO of Kensington and Chelsea Social Council
- Noha Chentouf, Youth Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea
When will the winners be announced?
An award ceremony will be held in Spring 2027 to celebrate the winners in each category. For the Mayor’s Awards nomination form and guidance, visit: www.rbkc.gov.uk/mayors-awards.
What have past winners said?
Yasmin Aldiyar received a young achiever Mayor’s Award for setting up the Youth Talks programme, which aims to make education more relevant and inclusive and has reached more than 400 young people in the borough.
She said:
“I’m delighted with my win and it was amazing to meet lots of other achievers and winners.
“I'm really working hard to keep building that bridge between the policymakers and young people, and my goal is to have all young people have a voice and have a say in this new generation.”
Mason Corbett won his young achiever Mayor’s Award for his volunteering with the Salvation Army’s Notting Hill Corps. He said:
“I was a bit nervous at first, but then I started to come out of my shell. I started making drinks, I loved doing washing up, and then I loved the kitchen, that's my favourite.
“I chose to volunteer because of my nan. She volunteered and it moved me. I wanted to try and see what it was like, and now I'm doing all this stuff. The Salvation Army’s helped me come out of my struggles in life, and now I flourish as the person that I am today.”
Charles Penney was nominated for his individual contribution award by fellow members of the Cherry Trees Residents’ Amenities Association. Charles has served the group for nearly 20 years, including 15 as chairman, fostering a strong sense of community among the association’s 300-plus residents. He said:
“I was very chuffed to be nominated, it came as the most wonderful surprise.
“We worked very hard on trying to foster a sense of community, getting all our neighbours to meet each other. It’s not always easy – there are a lot of people in London, it can be quite a lonely place, so we do whatever we can to make everybody feel part of it.
“It’s something I've just been really pleased to be able to do, to give something back to this lovely community that we live in.”