On Wednesday 4th June, we proudly held the Bexley Volunteer Excellence Awards 2025, an inspiring evening recognising the outstanding contributions of volunteers across the borough. Hosted by BVSC – Bexley Voluntary Service Council, the event brought together individuals, teams, and organisations who make a real difference in our communities.
We were honoured to welcome special guests The Mayor of Bexley - Councillor Christine Catterall and Daniel Francis MP, who joined us in celebrating the power of volunteering and presenting awards to some truly deserving individuals.
The evening began with welcome drinks from our bar hosted by Bexley Brewery and refreshments, accompanied by live music from local band Green Cabin, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere for guests to connect and celebrate.
Our Volunteer Development Lead Louise Partridge and BVSC CEO Jattinder Rai officially opened the evening before handing over to the Mayor for her inspiring speech.
Award Winners and Finalists
The awards were presented in two rounds and recognised a range of contributions, from youth volunteering to long-standing dedication. Here are this year’s award categories, nominees, and winners:
Bexley Community Star Award (Presented by the Mayor of Bexley)
Making a huge impact in improving the lives of others in Bexley.
- Victoria Whitehead – Girlguiding - Winner
- Elizabeth Tragheim – Sidcup Community Larder, singing for the brain, place of welcome.
- Catherine Taylor – Bexley women’s Aid
Quote from winning nomination
“Victoria is an inspiring volunteer who goes above and beyond to empower young girls to reach their full potential. As a Rainbows leader, full-time professional, mum of three, and wife, she still finds time to lead with passion and care. Through weekly sessions, Victoria and her team create a safe, supportive environment where girls aged 4–18 can grow in confidence, develop life skills, and feel part of their community. Her dedication encourages girls to give back, build resilience, and believe in themselves—making her a powerful role model with a lasting impact on the next generation”.
Inclusive Volunteering Award (Presented by 2024 winners, Maureen Bartlett & Theresa Underwood)
Celebrating those who have overcome barriers to engage in volunteering.
- Liam Hall – British Heart Foundation
- Nathan Driscoll – Blackfen Community Library
- Joshua Hargood-Bailey - Bexley CIC shop – Winner
Quote from winning nomination
“Joshua volunteers weekly at the Friends For Bexley CIC shop, where he’s become a valued and much-loved team member. Despite facing barriers linked to Learning Disability and Autism, Joshua sought out an opportunity to contribute, learn new skills, and build confidence. Since joining in 2022, he’s grown from working quietly behind the scenes to confidently engaging with customers, handling stock, and supporting the shop’s day-to-day running. His commitment, reliability, and positive attitude make him an inspiring example of inclusive volunteering”.
Bexley Community Champion Award (Presented by Patrick Gray, Bexley Wellbeing Partnership)
Demonstrating exceptional passion, commitment, and flexibility”.
- Ian Jacobs - Community Champion, BVSC, Evergreen – Winner
- Sue Petty – Community Champion, St Vincents Project, community larder
- Bob Bajwa – Community Champion
Quote from winning nomination
“Ian Jacobs has shown unwavering dedication across a range of volunteer roles, always bringing enthusiasm and a positive attitude. A committed advocate for the Community Champions programme, Ian is reliable, flexible, and eager to learn. He regularly supports communication within his groups and embraces every opportunity to get involved, always giving back to his community with a smile”.
After the first awards round, guests enjoyed a beautiful acoustic performance from talented young musicians from Bexley Music Service - Maxwell and Krish. Find out more about Bexley Music Service
followed by a chance to relax, network, and enjoy refreshments while Green Cabin returned for another live set. Follow Green Cabin on Facebook
Volunteer Team Award (Presented by Bexley Brewery)
Recognising the impact of volunteer groups working together.
- North West Kent Countryside Partnership
working to conserve and enhance the local environment through community engagement, education, and practical conservation projects across green spaces.
- Elderberries vintage tea rooms
a volunteer-run community café providing a welcoming space for older residents to enjoy affordable refreshments, social activities, and companionship.
- Bexley Moorings – Winner
supporting children and young people through mentoring, befriending, and group activities, helping them build confidence, develop life skills, and improve emotional wellbeing.
Quote from winning nomination
“The dedicated volunteers at Bexley Moorings go above and beyond to support young people across the community. Whether through one-to-one mentoring, helping build confidence and independence, or leading social skills groups that nurture emotional awareness and healthy friendships, their impact is truly life changing. Each volunteer brings unique experiences and a commitment to creating positive, lasting change in young people’s lives”.
Trustee Award (Presented by Nick Snow, Head of Capacity Building and Volunteering at BVSC)
For a trustee who has gone above and beyond in supporting their organisation.
- Steve Armstrong - Bexley Citizens Advice Bureau – Winner
- David Atterbury Thomas – Community Hospice
Quote from winning nomination
“Due to the sudden death of Bexley CAB’s former CEO as Chair of Trustee Steve Armstrong has really put in a lot of time to get the Charity through an extensive audit so Bexley CAB can continue providing the core services to the people of Bexley and providing acting support to the acting CEO, staff and volunteers”.
Youth Volunteer Award (Presented by Jattinder Rai, CEO of BVSC)
Recognising outstanding volunteering from young people aged 11–25.
- Sahou Badjie - The Javan Coker Foundation
- Lily Harrison - Girlguiding
- Jamie Dale – Positive Journeys - Winner
Quote from winning nomination
“Jamie has made an outstanding contribution to Bexley’s Total Respect Training, helping professionals understand the care system from a young person’s perspective. A dedicated member of the Child in Care Council ‘Positive Journeys’, Jamie is also a proud supporter of the young LGBTQ+ community and one of our most accomplished peer mentors—consistently offering encouragement, insight, and support to others”.
Longstanding Contribution to Volunteering Award (Presented by Daniel Francis MP)
Celebrating over 10 years of outstanding voluntary contribution.
- Terry Murphy - Bexley Borough Pensioners Forum– Winner
- Sandra Smith – Community Hospice
- Sarah Embry - Girlguiding
Quote from winning nomination
“Terry has dedicated many years to supporting the Bexley Pensioners’ Forum and various local committees, often working without support or recognition. His tireless efforts to gather and share important news and community updates have made a lasting difference, particularly for those who may otherwise miss vital information. Terry’s long-standing commitment and passion deserve heartfelt appreciation”.
The evening also featured a vibrant Bollywood dance performance by Mitali Pathak, who runs free community dance sessions – click here for more info. Her energy and passion brought the celebration to life.
We’d like to thank Bexley Brewery for their generous support of the event – find out more about their fantastic local business here.
Special thanks also go to Maxwell & Krish from Bexley Music Service, Green Cabin, and Mitali Pathak for sharing their talents with us, and to everyone who attended and helped create such a positive atmosphere.
And finally, a huge thank you to the BVSC team – it’s only because of the time, care, and teamwork from everyone, that this event was such a success.
