The Merton Civic Pride Volunteer awards recognise people of all ages who give their time, care and commitment to support others. This year we had over 100 nominations, from youth volunteering and community action to health and wellbeing, environmental work and sport. It was a warm and uplifting evening reflecting the many ways volunteers help strengthen communities, build connections and create opportunities across the borough.

Bev Hendricks, Executive Head of Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, helped recognise the contribution of Merton’s young volunteers. Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Civic Pride, also joined the event to thank volunteers whose work helps communities across Merton to thrive.

Bronze, Silver and Gold awards were presented during the evening, with several categories recognising joint Gold recipients. A Special Volunteer Commendation was also introduced after one nomination particularly stood out to the judging panel.

Young Volunteer Team of the Year 

Gold: Big Sisters, Ursuline High School
More than 90 Sixth Form students have volunteered through the school’s Big Sister Peer Mentoring Programme, supporting younger pupils as they navigate secondary school. Their guidance and positive role modelling have helped pupils build confidence, strengthen friendships and feel more connected to their school community. 

Silver: Craft Club, Wimbledon Library Volunteers
The Craft Club volunteers give up their Friday afternoons to provide welcoming and inclusive creative sessions for children of different ages and abilities. Their adaptability and commitment help children develop skills, build confidence and take pride in what they create. 

Bronze: Cricket Green Sixth Form and Allotment Team
The team has become a valued part of the Vestry Hall community and its local allotment. Their willingness to get involved and consistently positive approach have made a meaningful contribution to both the venue and the wider community. 

Young Sports Volunteer of the Year

Joint Gold: Austin Fox
Austin has spent more than three years supporting kickboxing clubs and sports projects across Merton. Working with SIL Academy in Tooting and Mitcham, he helps young people develop confidence, discipline and new skills in a positive environment where they can thrive on and off the mat. 

Joint Gold: Ciara Kennedy
After completing her time as a player at Morden Little League, Ciara returned as Assistant Manager of the CD Comets Junior Girls Division. She supports players both on and off the pitch, with a particular understanding of how to encourage quieter young people and help every girl feel valued and included. 

Special Volunteer Commendation 

Charles Ozga, Community Eco-Volunteer

This special award was not originally part of the programme, but Charles’s nomination captured the attention of the judging panel. Since summer 2025, six-year-old Charles has contributed more than 25 hours to improving local green spaces through litter picking, gardening and tree planting. He has also spoken up for safer streets and a cleaner environment, encouraging others to take pride in their community. 

Young Volunteer of the Year 

Joint Gold: Ryan Green, Mitcham Library
Ryan leads weekly Makerspace sessions where children can explore coding, robotics and 3D modelling. His ability to make complex subjects engaging and accessible has helped young people build confidence, learn new skills and develop an interest in technology. 

Joint Gold: Savannah Nicholls, Wimbledon Library
Savannah has progressed from attending Shine Saturday School to becoming a peer mentor for younger children. Through study support, games and nurturing activities, she creates an environment where children can feel welcome, learn and grow. 

Silver: Grace Oliver, Wimbledon Library
Grace leads Wimbledon Library’s weekly children’s craft club. She plans and delivers activities while ensuring children of different ages and abilities feel included, supported and encouraged to express their creativity. 

Bronze: Emily Alderman, Polka Theatre
During her Duke of Edinburgh volunteering placement, Emily became a dependable member of Polka Theatre’s volunteer team. Her communication skills, consistency and welcoming approach helped create a positive experience for visitors. 

Volunteer Team of the Year

Gold: The Link Café, Salvation Army Volunteers
The Link Café volunteers support women and children who are rebuilding their lives following domestic abuse. In a sensitive and challenging environment, they offer patience, kindness and understanding, helping people to feel safe, heard and supported. 

Silver: Merton Plus, Merton Pride Team
The team organised the borough’s first Merton Pride, creating an inclusive and family-friendly event that welcomed more than 1,000 people. The celebration included activities across Merton, a parade along the Wandle and a varied programme of entertainment, creating an important sense of visibility, belonging and pride. 

Bronze: Access Champions, Merton Centre for Independent Living
The Access Champions are a group of Disabled residents who use their lived experience to help make Merton more accessible and inclusive. They work with businesses, organisations and public bodies to promote independence, choice and inclusion, creating benefits for the wider community. 

Volunteer Manager of the Year

Gold: Debby Brooker, Home Visits Library Service
For more than a decade, Debby has led Merton Libraries’ Home Visits Service with dedication and compassion. By supporting and encouraging its volunteers, she helps residents who cannot visit a library because of illness or physical difficulties continue to access books, information and social connection. 

Silver: Roxanne Bennett, Sports and Leisure Manager
Roxanne has played a central role in developing volunteer run leaders through the Merton Women Run project. She has secured funding, coordinated training and provided ongoing support, helping establish three free weekly running groups where women can improve their health, build confidence and form friendships. 

Bronze: Jamie Rolfe, Merton Sea Cadet Corps
Jamie has given 10 years of voluntary service as Commanding Officer of Merton Sea Cadet Corps. Through evenings, weekends and ongoing support, Jamie helps young people develop confidence, respect and valuable life skills. 

Green Champion Volunteers of the Year 

Gold: Sustainable Merton Volunteer Team
Sustainable Merton’s 340 volunteers contribute to an extensive range of community projects. Their work includes redistributing surplus food, maintaining green spaces, teaching repair skills, reducing waste and supporting residents. Together, they are creating environmental and social benefits while helping build a greener and more connected borough. 

Silver: Wandle River Community Garden Team, Wandle River Roots CIC 
The team has transformed a neglected site into a thriving community space. Through environmental restoration, creative reuse and ongoing care, volunteers have created opportunities for local people to connect with nature, including a popular book and toy swap and spaces designed for children. 

Bronze: Asha Newsum, Merton Climate Action Group 
Asha has helped develop community climate projects that engage residents and strengthen local environmental action. Her contribution includes helping to shape the BAME Voice climate project and supporting the growth of the Merton Faith and Climate Action Group. 

Health and Wellbeing Team of the Year 

Gold: Alzheimer’s Society Volunteer Team 
The volunteers supporting Dementia Pathfinders make a significant difference to people living with dementia and their carers. Through befriending, activities, office support and community outreach, they provide companionship, practical help and connections to local services. 

Silver: Raynes Park Bereavement Service Volunteer Team
The service’s volunteer befrienders offer compassion and meaningful support to people experiencing bereavement. They also undertake regular training and supervision to strengthen their practice and maintain the quality of the support they provide. Their work helps improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and ensure that people can access free support during difficult periods of their lives. 

Bronze: GoodGym Merton Volunteer Team
Since launching in Merton 18 months ago, GoodGym has built a community of volunteers who combine physical activity with practical help for local causes. Volunteers have maintained community spaces, supported events and assisted the winter night shelter, contributing to both community wellbeing and stronger local connections. 

Sports Club Volunteer of the Year 

Gold: Christian Coward, Westside FC
As Youth Development Officer at Westside FC, Christian has helped hundreds of young people take part in football each week. He has secured funding for families on lower incomes, developed the club’s girls’ section and introduced pan-disability football opportunities. His work is helping more children enjoy sport in a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

Silver: Emily Fleuriot, Junior Parkrun and NEMCA Women’s Running Group 
Emily has given considerable time to helping people of different ages enjoy being active. As a Run Director for Figges Marsh Junior Park Run, she has helped develop an inclusive event for children and families and supported outreach to schools. She also leads NEMCA’s women’s running group, helping women build confidence and improve their wellbeing through physical activity. 

Bronze: Dean Parsons, Haydon the Womble at AFC Wimbledon
Dean has volunteered for more than 20 years, bringing energy and generosity to events across Merton and beyond. As Haydon the Womble, he has supported AFC Wimbledon, charities, schools and community organisations and helped raise more than £250,000 for good causes. 

Volunteer of the Year 

Gold: Jade Crafter, GoodGym Merton and Sustainable Merton
Jade has played an instrumental role in building and sustaining GoodGym Merton’s volunteer community. She coordinates activities, develops local partnerships and keeps volunteers engaged, while continuing to take a practical and hands-on role herself. Her commitment has helped the group grow and created more opportunities for people to support charities and community organisations across the borough. 

Silver: Caroline Muller-Carpenter, Churches Together in Mitcham
Caroline has devoted many years to organising a Christmas Day celebration for people who might otherwise be alone. Through careful planning and volunteer coordination, she creates a welcoming occasion where every guest can feel included, valued and cared for. 

Bronze: Alicia Holliday, one-to-one reading volunteer
Since 2023, Alicia has helped children and adults develop their reading skills and confidence. Her patient and encouraging approach creates a supportive environment where learners can overcome challenges and discover greater enjoyment in reading and learning. 

Civic Pride Lifetime Legacy Award 

The Civic Pride Lifetime Legacy Award recognised people who have given at least 20 years of voluntary service to one or more local organisations. The award celebrated the lasting positive legacy created through giving time, skills and care year after year. This year the well deserved recipients were: 

Anne Blanchard 

Barbara Holgate 

Brian Clark 

Dese Elizabeth Thornton Child 

Grace Salmon 

Hamish Duncan 

Janet Watkins 

Kevin Hicks WO2 

Mark Brown 

Melanie Nunzet 

Pat Spencer 

Peter Hopkins 

The awards showed just how many different forms volunteering can take in Merton.

Some recipients lead large teams or highly visible community projects. Others offer steady, compassionate support that often happens quietly, away from the spotlight. Each contribution matters.

What connects them is a shared commitment to helping others and making Merton a place where more people feel supported, included and able to belong.

The Merton Civic Pride Volunteer Awards were a chance to say thank you to everyone who gives their time to support our communities. That includes this year’s nominees, award recipients, and the many volunteers whose care, energy and commitment continue throughout the year.