Nominate an unsung community hero!

Residents have less than two weeks to nominate community heroes for the prestigious Civic Awards 2018.

Tower Hamlets Speaker, Councillor Sabina Aktar said:

“I would urge all residents to consider the people in their community who go the extra mile to make a real difference to Tower Hamlets and those who live, work and study in the borough. Make their day by nominating them for a Civic Award.”

The categories for nomination this year include those who:

• give outstanding service to the community
• have brought credit to the borough through sporting, artistic or cultural achievements
• have improved the quality of life for local people by providing services, beyond what they are paid to do
• have benefited the community through success in business and in community involvement
• are young achievers, under 25 years old, whose accomplishments are extraordinary and should be recognised

Call 020 7364 4883 or email speaker@towerhamlets.gov.uk for a nomination form. Nominations close on 31 December 2017.

The 2017 winners: 

• Julie Begum, Philip Green, Nurull Islam, Afsana Jahan and Yusuf Kamali will receive awards for providing outstanding services to the community.
• Clare Burgess will be recognised for bringing credit to the borough through sporting, artistic or cultural achievements.
• Vicky Thompson and Jennifer Fear will be honoured for going beyond what they are paid to do to help local people.
• Coralie Young and Catherine Tidnam will be awarded for their success in business and in community involvement.
• Abu Saeed is the young achiever of the year.

Winners of awards for outstanding services to the community:

Sayed Khan nominated his colleague, Nurull Islam from Bow. Sayed said:

“Nurull is one of the founding members of Mile End Community Project, a multi-award winning organisation for young people. Nurull has always ensured that young people have a safe space to congregate. In 2015 he took to the streets to diffuse and calm tensions after a serious incident between two groups of young people. He was there to maintain peace in the community.”

Helal Uddin Abbas nominated his colleague, Yusuf Kamali from Spitalfields. Helal said:

“Mr Kamali has been instrumental in tackling poor housing. In the late 1970s he worked with other residents to transform some of the worst private sector housing, and brought them into public sector housing. He led on the regeneration of several bombed housing to become decent homes.”

Nadia Valman nominated her colleague, Philip Green from Bethnal Green. Nadia said:

“Philip organised the Boundary Fun Palace, a day of free activities, singlehandedly – an amazing feat All the work he undertook was voluntary and unpaid, and I later found out that Philip suffers from a physical disability which means he has chronic pain – but you would never know. He’s an inspiration to all and a credit to the neighbourhood.”

Tasneem Miah nominated her client, Afsana Jahan from Bow. Tasneem said:

“Despite not being in the country long, Afsana has supported other women to find their way and improve their confidence levels. She is a responsive and responsible volunteer at the children’s centre. She has helped raise cash for vulnerable families to go on a day trip and despite having no family to support her, she still finds time to support other parents.”

Ansar Ahmed Ullah nominated his friend, Julie Begum from Spitalfields. Ansar said:

“Julie has volunteered in the community since she was a teenager and has worked as a part time youth worker since 1986. She has worked with refugees and currently works at the Geffrye Museum.”

Winners of the award for bringing credit to the borough through sporting, artistic or cultural achievements:

Amanda Richardson nominated her friend and neighbour, Clare Burgess from Bow West.

Amanda said:
“Clare has been the driving force in the Roman Road Trust, a voluntary group revitalising the Roman Road. I have watched Clare invest huge amounts of her time and artistic talents to create amazing activities for the young and old. In doing so, she has strengthened the bonds and the commitment to communal activities. We’re all very proud of Clare’s work.”

Winners of awards for improving the quality of life for local people by providing services beyond what they are paid to do:

Katy Bennett-Richards nominated her friend and colleague, Vicky Thompson from Island Gardens.

Katy said:

“Vicky works tirelessly as a scouting volunteer. Her group has grown from one small pack in 2005 to six groups of children aged between 6 and 18. She is a never ending enthusiast and positive role model who has made real life differences for children who lacked self-worth. She has enriched the whole community.”

Sarah Johnson nominated her boss, Jennifer Fear from Bethnal Green.

Sarah said:

“Jennifer has developed free, confidential counselling and sexual health services for young people. She has also provided a welcoming and friendly environment for young people to feel safe. Her warmth of character, enthusiasm and approachability mean that she is a popular figure in Tower Hamlets and the wider London community.”

Winner of the award for success in business and community involvement:

Gelu Miah nominated his colleague, Coralie Young from Bow.

Gelu said:

“Coralie is part of the 31 Royal Air Force Cadet Squadron in Mile End.  Her passion in bringing together a community diverse in its nature, embedding community cohesion, inclusion and team spirit is why she deserves this award. She has wholeheartedly supported a team of volunteers and officers to ensure young cadets attend structured and fun activities and get ready for adulthood. She has put aside her personal interests in favour of the Royal Air Force, the Crown and the young people of Tower Hamlets.

Young achiever of the year:

Andrew Stevenson nominated his colleague, Abu Saeed from Bow.

Andrew said:

“Abu has made an exceptional difference to his local community. As a cadet, he recently took part in a weapons sweep and has taken part in purchase operations in the borough buying fireworks, knives and alcohol. The venues are now being considered for prosecution. Abu is an outstanding asset to the Metropolitan Police Service.”