Waltham Forest (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Pride of Waltham Forest Awards 2025 winners have been announced, celebrating outstanding individuals and groups who make a difference in the community.
Eleven awards were given out, and the winners were commended for their beneficial impact and community involvement.
The awards ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, September 16 at Waltham Forest Town Hall, honored people who went above and beyond in the past year to better the lives of those around them.
The awards featured a wide range of honorees who have all spent the past year striving to be better and happier for themselves and others around them, providing a chance for community members to unite and celebrate each other’s hard work.
Some recipients received recognition for their efforts to improve the quality of life in their communities by lowering loneliness and isolation. Soundcastle, the Cultural Connections Awards winner, is one of these groups.
The group brings together people of all ages who have special educational needs, and uses music to provide fun and comradery for these individuals.
Gail MacLeod from Soundcastle commented:
“So inspiring to see all the projects that are taking place in Waltham Forest and it’s a great honor to be a part of it.”
The Snug, the Health and Wellbeing Champion of the Year, is another organization that fights isolation. People in Walthamstow can go to The Snug to talk about their mental health issues without fear of being judged. The Snug plays a vital role in its community by providing a location for learning how to live independently and forming friendships.
Projects to lessen anxiety, loneliness, and isolation in Waltham Forest have been spearheaded by Miles Rainbow CIC, the recipient of the Enterprise for All Award. They have contacted over 3,500 people in Waltham Forest using their unique Preventative EMotional Vaccine mode, and 90% of them report feeling less alone and anxious.
Other organizations placed a high priority on supporting the young people in their local communities.
One of Shqiponja’s foster children said:
“When I first came to this house in July 2024, I was totally different and I need to thank my carer who gave me so many opportunities in life – I’m really grateful for everything.
I feel more confident in school now, I don’t get bullied and she gives me a routine which helps me.
My carer is not only nice to me but to other foster children in the house – she’s kind to everyone.”
The Community Champion Award winner, Sajida Ahmed, has a history of assisting local adults and children, particularly those with disabilities. Ahmed goes above and beyond for her community as the founder of the Oak Foundation, a charity that supports people with disabilities and their families.
The Volunteer of the Year winner, Asa Eriksson, concentrates on raising money for the Leytonstone primary school’s young students. Her goal is to improve the lives of the young people in her town, and she has raised thousands of pounds for various charities.
Making Waltham Forest a greener, more environmentally friendly place was the focus of other winners. The Mayor’s Civic Award winner, John Struthers, supported the “Time to Grow” campaign in Cathall, Leytonstone, which aims to change the way people think.
Struthers said:
“I’m also happy that it’s lifted other people along the way and made an impact on the community.”
The Re-Loved Club won the Greener Futures Award via the rehousing of over 10,000 garments, featuring textile education as well as a massive impact on pollution and waste. Their measurable action has helped the community greatly.
The club commented:
“It’s been just lovely tonight to hear about all the other people in our community doing great things, and connecting with them.”
How to nominate someone for Pride of Waltham Forest 2026?
You will be able to submit and online nomination form accessed from the Waltham Forest Council website when nominations open. You will be asked to provide some details about the nominee and state why you think they deserved to be nominated whilst highlighting any contributions that they may have made to the community.
Make sure the nominee is able and willing to attend the awards event, which is normally an in-person event held at Waltham Forest Town Hall. Nominations usually open in early summer and close by mid-July (for instance, for the 2025 awards, nominations closed on 11 July 2025 ).
Be sure to complete the online nomination for the 2026 Pride of Waltham Forest Awards before the summer deadline detailing the nominees contribution to the community, nominees will be expected to attend the awards event.