The Mayor’s Community Awards are back and bigger than ever

We want to celebrate and reward the amazing people and community groups whose contributions improve the borough – changing lives, building community spirit, improving their local area, and helping others stay safe and well. Their work and commitment are what make Lewisham such a special place. We also want to spotlight the power of doing good together to inspire others.

The Mayor’s Community Awards scheme was launched in 2017 to champion all those who are going above and beyond for their communities. This could be through helping a neighbour in need, coaching a sports team, running a community choir, giving up their free time to improve their local environment, performing incredible acts of selflessness, donating food, and more.

Lewisham’s residents are invited to make their nominations for the year, with the winners announced at a special ceremony during Volunteers’ Week in June. There are now seven categories open for entries:

• Volunteer/s of the Year 
• Young Volunteer/s of the Year 
• Community Project of the Year 
• The Good Neighbour Award 
• Environmental Champion  
• The Good Business Award
• Local Hero 

With more than 1,100 nominations last year, it’s clear that many individuals and organisations are dedicated to improving the lives of others, and how much their neighbours value them.

Some recipients of last year’s Community Awards included: 

• Souljah Powell, recognised for his dedication to his community, received the Young Person Community Champion award
• Trevor Pybus, for his tireless work supporting men’s mental health in Downham
• Plateful Café, for bringing the community together through food and cultural exchange
• Facework Group CIC, Hatcham House, awarded for its business’s contribution to local community initiatives

You can watch their videos on the Lewisham Council YouTube channel.

Nominate your community champions and say thank you to those in the community who deserve it most. 

Nominations for the Community Awards close on Sunday 27 April. The shortlist will be announced at the start of May and the winners of each category announced at an in-person ceremony on Tuesday 3 June 2025.

The Mayor’s Community Awards continues to be a testament to the borough’s strong community spirit, and it aims to inspire even more people to get involved and make a difference.

More information on the categories

• Volunteer/s of the Year - recognising the exceptional community spirit, generosity or civic mindedness of a person over 25, who has taken action to make a difference to their local community, environment and/or the lives of residents.
• Young Volunteer/s of the Year - recognising the exceptional community spirit, generosity or civic mindedness of a person under 25, who has taken action to make a difference to their local community, environment and/or the lives of residents.
• Community Project of the Year - recognising a local community project undertaken by a group of volunteers who have dedicated their time bringing it to life, for the benefits of Lewisham residents. Please note that the project cannot be funded through a Council programme and will be removed from the category if it is. 
• The Good Neighbour Award – recognising an individual that might not formally do volunteering work, but is always there when you need them, whether it be visiting an older neighbour, collecting medicines when you’re sick, bringing in your bins, it could be anything great or small. 
• Environmental Champion - recognition of a local individual who volunteers to enhance and/or protect our local environment. This could be people involved in Friends of parks/open spaces or those who give up their time or campaign for change that helps address the climate emergency.
• The Good Business Award - this category acknowledges businesses that have gone above and beyond their core remit to support the community. For example, a restaurant that voluntarily provides food parcels for residents, or a small business that consistently donates time, skills, or resources to local initiatives without any expectation of return. This kind of voluntary contribution beyond their business model is what we want to celebrate.
• Local Hero – recognises an exceptional volunteer, who not only shows dedication and commitment, perhaps battling against their own adversity, but always goes the extra mile to support local charitable work and the local community.

Please note that the project cannot be funded through a Council programme and will be removed from the category if it is.