The awards, held in Waltham Forest Town Hall on Tuesday 16th September, recognised the work of individuals and community organisations in helping people around the borough, writes Madison Yarbrough

Re-Loved Club featured in photo with deputy council leader Clyde Loakes, Credit: Waltham Forest Council

The Pride of Waltham Forest Awards and their recipients for 2025 have been announced. With a total of eleven awards, recipients were praised for their engagement with the community and positive influence.

The awards, held in Waltham Forest Town Hall on Tuesday 16th September, highlighted individuals who acted selflessly, and who were dedicated to improving the lives of those around them this past year.

An opportunity for community members to come together and celebrate each other’s hard work, the awards featured a diverse range of awardees, all of which have spent the last year pushing themselves and those around them to be better and happier.

Some awardees were praised for their ability to reduce isolation and loneliness in their communities, leading to a healthier, happier state of living. Such groups include the winner of the Cultural Connections Awards, Soundcastle. The group brings together people of all ages who have special educational needs, and uses music to provide fun and comradery for these individuals.

Gail MacLeod from Soundcastle commented: “So inspiring to see all the projects that are taking place in Waltham Forest and it’s a great honor to be a part of it.”

Sandcastle, pictured with Cllr Rosalind Dore, won the ‘Cultural connections’ award, Credit: Waltham Forest Council

Another group fighting isolation is The Snug, the recipient for Health and Wellbeing Champion of the Year. The Snug offers a space where people in Walthamstow where people can go to share their mental health struggles, without judgment. Giving space to learn how to live independently as well as make friends, The Snug is a key part of its community.

Miles Rainbow CIC who won the Enterprise for All Award, have been behind projects to reduce loneliness, isolation, and anxiety in Waltham Forest. Tackling health inequalities via their distinct Preventative EMotional Vaccine mode, they have reached over 3,500 people in Waltham Forest, with 90% reporting reduced anxiety and isolation.

Other groups strongly focused on being there for the youth in their communities. For example Shqiponja Plaku won the award for Carer of the Year. Plaku fosters children, and she touches the lives of each one of them.

One of Shqiponja’s foster children said: “When I first came to this house in July 2024, I was totally different and I need to thank my carer who gave me so many opportunities in life – I’m really grateful for everything.

“I feel more confident in school now, I don’t get bullied and she gives me a routine which helps me.

“My carer is not only nice to me but to other foster children in the house – she’s kind to everyone.”

Upon receiving her award, Plaku said, “We do the best for our children in Waltham Forest, and we will continue to help teenagers and other children in the borough.”

Sajida Ahmed who won the Community Champion Award is also no stranger to helping local children, as well as adults, specifically with disabilities. Founder of the Oak Foundation, a charity supporting disabled individuals and their families, Ahmed goes miles above and beyond for her community.

Asa Eriksson, winner of the Volunteer of the Year award, focuses on fundraising for the youth of the primary school in Leytonstone. Raising thousands of pounds for different fundraisers, her focus is on improving the lives of the youth in her community.

Other winners were focused on the environment and making Waltham Forest a more green, eco-friendly space. John Struthers, winner of the Mayor’s Civic Award, championed a campaign in Cathall, Leytonstone called ‘Time to Grow’ where he transforms disregarded, abandoned community spaces into vibrant allotments, bringing people together through fresh produce.

Struthers said: “I’m also happy that it’s lifted other people along the way and made an impact on the community.”

The Re-Loved Club won the Greener Futures Award via the rehousing of over 10,000 garments, featuring textile education as well as a massive impact on pollution and waste. Their measurable action has helped the community greatly.

The club commented: “It’s been just lovely tonight to hear about all the other people in our community doing great things, and connecting with them.”

A full list of winners and awards can be found here

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