Fifteen community heroes awarded for ‘passion and selflessness’
Fifteen community heroes from west London were recognised at a special ceremony this week.
Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, Cllr Will Lane, hosted the annual Mayor Awards at the Mayor’s Parlour in Kensington Town Hall on Thursday, with a record-breaking number of winners in the Young Achiever category this year.
The awards aim to recognise people, groups and organisations who have made a significant difference to the lives of people living in the borough. The recipients were put forward by members of the community and chosen by a judging panel.
Rohan Mehta, founder of voluntary initiative ‘In the Bag’ was awarded the Young Achiever’s award for helping the homeless with his free hygiene kits.
Mr Mehta said: “I feel so honoured to be nominated let alone win, I’m really grateful for the opportunity.
“Ever since I was small, I’ve been really affected by the issue of homelessness. I’ve donated more than 100 kits to different churches and organisations in the area.
“I think it’s really important to try and do your part especially if you have the means.”
Other winners included Nova New Opportunities, a not-for-profit organisation which has supported North Kensington residents since 1983.
Services include an employment support programme, health and wellbeing activities and initiatives such as the Money MOT project, which has provided on-the-ground, one-to-one support to more than 100 residents from the Lancaster West Estate and North Kensington.
Alex Coackley, head of advice and guidance at Nova New Opportunities, said: “It is lovely to be recognised for the work that the organisation is doing and particularly in a much-needed area on the Lancaster West Estate, helping clients faced with difficult times by the cost-of-living crisis.
“I think it’s fantastic to see grassroots work going on, particularly people who are doing it essentially by themselves using their own sort of get up and go and it’s just great to celebrate that.”
During the ceremony, winners were presented with their special Mayor’s Awards certificates.
Cllr Lane said: “It was a privilege to celebrate the 2025 Mayor’s Awards winners for their commitment, passion, and selflessness, helping those in their communities by putting others first.
“I was 29 years old when elected as the youngest ever Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, so I found particular joy in reviewing the nominations for the Young Achiever category.
“I am also thrilled to share that we had a record number of honourees in this group this year, proof that the future of our borough is a bright one.”
Pictured top: This years awards saw a record-breaking number of winners in the Young Achiever category this year (Picture: Kensington and Chelsea council)
