Hounslow recognises unsung community heroes at awards ceremony

Local residents, groups and businesses who go above and beyond for their communities were celebrated earlier this week at Hounslow House.

Run by Hounslow Council, and in partnership with the Hounslow Herald newspaper, the One  Hounslow Community Stars awards was hosted by Syon and Brentford Lock Councillor Dan Bowring and saw the borough’s unsung heroes being recognised for their contribution to local communities.

Now in its second year, the Council received more than 170 nominations from across the borough. While there were no set categories, a number of themes were suggested to help residents identify potential nominees:

Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, opened the event and highlighted the importance of recognising these community heroes. He said:

“Every single winner plays their part in making Hounslow a vibrant, thriving community-focused borough. These selfless individuals – who often go about their community work without any recognition – should be commended and congratulated.

“They are what makes Hounslow such a fantastic borough to live in and I want to thank them personally for their invaluable contribution.”

The winners were:

• Darren Beecroft - who runs boxing classes in Hanworth and dedicates his time to keeping young people away from the risks of drugs and alcohol.
• Food with Love - Through mobilising volunteers and collaborating with local businesses, they offer free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 100 people weekly, alleviating food insecurity pressures.
• Samia Slimani - Samia has a long-standing history of helping her local community – whether it be running Arabic schools in the local community or running baby and toddler groups.
• Billy Beatty – Billy is a youth worker at the Hogarth Charitable Trust, a Youth and Community centre. He mentors young disadvantaged individuals and serves as a fantastic role model.
• Emma Medd - Emma volunteers at the friendship club in Chiswick and particularly looks out for the elderly at risk of social isolation.
• Sukhdev Kaur Somrah - Sukhdev goes for her daily mid-morning walk in her neighbourhood, ensuring all the other elderly residents join her. The opportunity for exercise and socialisation has proved invaluable in Sukhdev’s community.
• Creative Spaces London – Creative Spaces London provide support for mums, offering life skills, and a warm welcome.
• Sharon Woolridge - Sharon is a leader at Hounslow PHAB club - a place for young people who need to belong and feel part of a group. It is a safe place for them to hang out, express themselves through sports, arts and life skills sessions.
• Lauren Jennings – As a kitchen d, she leads weekly gardening sessions in Chiswick and manages food donation partnerships.
• Our Barn Community - Our Barn runs community-based activities providing learning, life skills and social interaction for young people aged between 16 to 35 with learning disabilities or autism.
• Thavarani Nagulendram - She has been leading the Tamil Community Centre in Hounslow for the past 20 years. She organises a wide range of activities, including Bharathanatyam dance classes for all ages.
• Taz Virdee - Taz lends his time to C-Change, where he organises social clubs, classes, and activities for people of all ages and walks of life.
• Brentford Docks Events Team - The team is comprised of three residents who put on events and social gatherings open to all residents. For nearly 30 years, they have held monthly coffee mornings, lunches, quiz nights, film nights, book clubs, and much more.
• Angela Parton - Angela rallied her local community to help maintain Feltham Green and the pond area. She encouraged everyone to take pride in the area. She volunteers, talks to local schools to encourage them to think green and respect their environment.
• Janette Odey - Janette has been volunteering at Clayponds estate in Brentford for over 30 years, helping to run the community centre.
• 7th Feltham Sea Scouts - This popular Scout Group has been serving the community for over 70 years.
• Alzheimer’s Society – Singing for the Brain Group - Established in 2016, this group brings joy and reminiscence to residents with dementia through creative expression.
• Dr. Karen Liebreich - Dr. Karen Liebreich is a formidable community organiser who has initiated projects to support Chiswick Town Centre, its traders, and residents.
• Ashwini Kalsekar - Ashwini is the Artistic Director of Kirti Kala Mandir CIC in the UK and has dedicated 15 years to Traditional Kathak (Indian Classical Dance) training.
• Holy Trinity Church - Holy Trinity exemplifies diversity and inclusivity for many residents. Their efforts extend beyond religious practices to include multi-faith prayer groups, celebrations and weekly food/clothes banks.
• Hounslow Police Cadets - As cadets of the Metropolitan Police, they engage in local operations with the safer neighbourhoods team.
• Stephanie Collis – Stephanie is a Home Visiting Volunteer, and her warm and caring nature supports and guides families, helping parents navigate parenthood and creating environments where children can thrive.
• Kam and Tom Thambiaya - Kam and Tom, residents in Heston since the 1970s, are pillars of the community, serving groups like Heston Action Group and Heston Repair Cafe.
• Surplus to Supper Trust CIC - Surplus to Supper’s volunteer team exemplifies sustainability and community impact. Their mission bridges food waste and food poverty, transforming the local landscape and inspiring a sustainable future.
• Chris Martin - Chris is the head of Feltham Community Boxing Club, which is open three days a week with classes on offer for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. He also provides free classes for students and staff from West Thames College.

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