Championing Community Spirit at the Derby Voluntary Sector Awards 2025

On Thursday 5 June, Community Action Derby, in partnership with Derby Homes, held the 2025 Derby Voluntary Sector Awards – an uplifting event championing the vital and often unrecognised work of volunteers, community groups and voluntary organisations in the city.

Held during national Volunteers’ Week, the event honoured 15 winners, who were selected from almost 200 nominations, and reflect the amazing community spirit across the city.

The evening shone a spotlight not only on individual volunteers, but also charities, grassroots initiatives, community groups, sports clubs, arts organisations and more – highlighting the broad and varied work carried out by Derby’s charity sector.

Kim Harper, CEO of Community Action Derby said:

 

“Every year I’m inspired by the dedication, kindness and creativity shown by people across Derby who give their time and energy to help others and make a difference. The awards night is always a highlight of the year for me – an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognise the incredible contribution of volunteers, community groups, and voluntary organisations across our city. They truly are the heart and soul of Derby, especially at a time when the world needs community more than ever. At Community Action, we see the difference they make every day, so it’s brilliant to be able to shine a spotlight on them and say thank you.”

Awards were presented by a variety of special guests, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill, who presented the Lifetime Achievement Award.

It was a truly heartwarming evening, filled with powerful stories and well-deserved recognition for the remarkable individuals and organisations driving change in Derby’s voluntary sector. The dedication and passion on display were truly inspiring.

One guest summed up the night perfectly, saying: “The event was so celebratory and had such a positive vibe – I didn’t realise how much I needed something so positive until we were there. I left feeling a lot lighter and rejuvenated by all of the heart-warming stories I heard.”

The 2025 winners are:

• Arts, Culture and Heritage Award – Surtal Arts
  A long-standing South Asian arts charity that brings people together through dance, music, crafts and festivals, including the Derby Season of Light and Lantern Parade.
• Community Champion Award – Anita Marbrow
  A dedicated volunteer with me&dee for nearly 14 years, Anita balances her vital role at the charity alongside a full-time job, parenting and running a children’s craft club.
• Community Space Award – Community Café & Storehouse Meal
  Run by Derby City Mission and powered by over 85 volunteers, this welcoming space offers a haven for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award – Rob Malcolm
  A passionate volunteer improving accessibility across Derby’s parks, events and public buildings, working quietly behind the scenes to make spaces more inclusive.
• Green Ambassador Award – Thrivemind Village
  A volunteer-run eco hub rooted in compassion and local action, offering Derby’s only Community Fridge, sustainability workshops and a community kitchen.
• Hardship Support Award – Chellaston Shelton Lock Community Hub
  A new community initiative run by local volunteers, providing meals, food parcels and a welcoming hub that’s already supported hundreds of local residents.
• Health and Wellbeing Award – Connected Perinatal Support CIC
  A peer-led organisation offering vital emotional and practical support to families during pregnancy and after birth, with volunteers providing around 11,500 hours of support each year.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Tony Sandar
  A committed volunteer for 50 years with Derby Toc H Children’s Camp, Tony has supported thousands of children and leads a team of 70 volunteers.
• New Arrivals Ambassador Award – Terrance Amalathas
  A recent asylum seeker who, using his IT and language skills, volunteers to support others through Derbyshire Refugee Solidarity and more.
• Overcoming Barriers Award – Christine Charles
  After surviving a cancerous brain tumour and brain injury, Christine now leads a peer support group at Headway Derby and continues to inspire through her story.
• Sporting Award – Derby Trailblazers Basketball Club
  A volunteer-powered basketball club promoting inclusion, youth development and wellbeing, while inspiring the next generation through coaching and school outreach.
• Trustee of the Year Award – Nigel Farrow
  A dedicated trustee with Umbrella for 30 years, Nigel has led major projects and supported staff, leaving a lasting legacy as he steps down in 2025.
• Young Volunteer Award (Age 5–14) – Zach Bowles
  At just 8 years old, Zach is a Junior Ambassador for me&dee, bringing empathy, energy and kindness to children experiencing some of life’s toughest challenges.
• Young Volunteer Award (Age 15–24) – Rashifa Ali
  A University of Derby law student leading the Schools Taskmaster project, inspiring local school pupils through creative legal education and peer leadership.
• Youth Work Award – Empower Her
  A youth-led group supporting South Asian and Muslim girls with monthly workshops, sports and creative sessions to build confidence and challenge stigma.

You can find more information about the event on the Community Action Derby website at: www.communityactionderby.org.uk/awards-2025