On Friday 5 June, Volunteer Centre Bexley, part of BVSC, was proud to host the Bexley Volunteer Excellence Awards 2026 — an evening dedicated to celebrating the people who give their time, energy, skills and care to make Bexley a better place.
Held at the Angelus Centre, the evening brought together volunteers, local charities, community groups, partners, trustees, staff and supporters for a shared celebration of volunteering across the borough. It was a night full of warmth, pride, music, laughter and moving stories of the difference volunteers make every day.
The awards were opened by Louise Partridge, Volunteer Development Lead, and Annie Norton, Interim CEO of BVSC, who welcomed guests and reflected on the importance of volunteering in Bexley. We were also honoured to hear from Sue Gower MBE JP, who gave a heartfelt speech recognising the value of community action and the incredible contribution volunteers make locally.
Throughout the evening, we heard stories of kindness, resilience, leadership, inclusion and long-standing commitment. Each shortlisted nominee represented something special about volunteering in Bexley — people stepping forward, often quietly and without expectation, to support others and strengthen their communities.
Celebrating our nominees and winners
The Bexley Community Star Award, presented by Sue Gower MBE JP,
recognised individuals who have made a huge impact in improving the lives of others in Bexley. The shortlisted nominees were:
- Nita Sulh.
- Stephanie Simpson.
- Julie Ramsden.
Julie Ramsden, founder of Discover Welling, was named the winner. Julie was recognised for the incredible community spirit, creativity and commitment she has shown through her work to bring people together, improve the local area and create a real sense of pride and connection in Welling.
The Inclusive Volunteering Award, presented by Daniel Francis MP,
celebrated volunteers who have overcome barriers to become engaged in volunteering. The shortlisted nominees were:
- Thomas Snow.
- Amanda Shahoud.
- Louise Batchelor.
The winner was Thomas Snow, who volunteers with Blackfen Community Library Café and St John’s Church in Welling. Thomas was recognised for the positivity, resilience and commitment he brings to his volunteering, and for showing how volunteering can create purpose, confidence and belonging.
The Bexley Community Champion Award, presented by Kelly Galloway, Head of Health and Wellbeing at BVSC,
celebrated a Community Champion demonstrating exceptional passion, commitment and flexibility. The shortlisted nominees were:
- Elena Mitova.
- Louise Batchelor.
- Bhavin Patel.
Bhavin Patel was named the winner. Bhavin has gone above and beyond as a Bexley Community Champion, contributing his time, knowledge and lived experience to local projects, co-production, interview panels and service development. His contribution has helped strengthen community voice and shape local services.
The Volunteer Team of the Year Award, presented by Bexley Brewery,
recognised the joint efforts of a group of volunteers who have made a significant difference in their community. The shortlisted teams were:
- Crossroads Care South East London Volunteer Befriending Service.
- Bexley Moorings Volunteer Team.
- Welling Dialogue Society.
The winner was Crossroads Care South East London Volunteer Befriending Service. The team was recognised for the compassion, commitment and meaningful connection their volunteer befrienders provide, helping to reduce loneliness, promote independence and make a genuine difference to vulnerable residents.
The Trustee of the Year Award, presented by Abena Oppong-Asare MP,
celebrated trustees who have had an exceptional impact on supporting Bexley charities. The shortlisted nominees were:
- Melanie Franklin.
- Karen Nathan.
- Felicia Fasokun.
Karen Nathan, trustee of Re-Instate, was named the winner. Karen was recognised for the valuable knowledge, commitment and thoughtful leadership she brings to her trustee role, as well as her financial expertise, local understanding and constructive support for the organisation’s development.
The Youth Volunteer Award, presented by Sophie Willowes, Programme Delivery Officer at First Give,
recognised a young person aged between 11 and 25 who has shown a real commitment to volunteering. The shortlisted nominees were:
- Rachel Davis.
- Arvin Zare.
- Aisha Kapan.
The winner was Aisha Kapan, who volunteers as a Women & Girls Health Champion. Aisha was recognised for the fresh energy, insight and commitment she brings as a young volunteer, helping to engage younger girls, amplify younger voices and support important conversations around health, wellbeing and community engagement.
The Longstanding Contribution to Volunteering Award, presented by Les Lockwood of Lockwood Studios Crayford,
honoured volunteers who have given 10 years or more of outstanding voluntary contribution. The shortlisted nominees were:
- Kristen Cottier.
- Maggie Williams.
- Phyl Gunn.
Kristen Cottier was named the winner. Kristen has given 30 years of voluntary service to the RAF Air Cadets and has served for over two decades as Commanding Officer of 358 Welling Squadron. He was recognised for his long-term dedication, leadership and the lasting impact he has had on generations of young people.
A special moment of recognition
One of the most moving moments of the evening was a Special Recognition Award in memory of Ellie Sullivan, who was honoured posthumously for her contribution to Girlguiding.
Ellie, who was born on 21 March 1999 and sadly passed away on 12 December 2025, was remembered for her kindness, commitment and the difference she made as a young volunteer. Her recognition was a heartfelt tribute to the lasting impact volunteers can have on the people and communities around them.
A night of music, thanks and celebration
The evening was made even more special by wonderful entertainment from
- Green Cabin Band
- Joyful Voices Choir
- Emily Wood
whose performances helped create a joyful and uplifting atmosphere throughout the night.
We would like to give our sincere thanks to everyone who supported the awards, including our presenters and special guests
- Sue Gower MBE JP,
- Daniel Francis MP,
- Kelly Galloway,
- Bexley Brewery,
- Abena Oppong-Asare MP,
- Sophie Willowes and
- Les Lockwood
Special thanks to Bexley Brewery for supporting the evening with the bar, find out more about them here, to the Angelus Centre for hosting us, and to all the nominators, nominees, volunteers, organisations, guests and partners who joined us to celebrate.
A huge thank you goes to the BVSC staff team and volunteers who helped plan, organise and deliver the event. From welcoming guests and supporting the running order, to preparing certificates, coordinating nominees, setting up the room and keeping the evening moving, the event would not have been possible without their time, care and teamwork.
Congratulations once again to this year’s winners:
- Julie Ramsden — Bexley Community Star
- Thomas Snow — Inclusive Volunteering Award
- Bhavin Patel — Bexley Community Champion of the Year
- Crossroads Care South East London Volunteer Befriending Service — Volunteer Team of the Year
- Karen Nathan — Trustee of the Year
- Aisha Kapan — Youth Volunteer Award
- Kristen Cottier — Longstanding Contribution to Volunteering
And congratulations to every shortlisted nominee. Every nomination told a powerful story of kindness, dedication and community spirit.
Volunteers are at the heart of Bexley. They bring people together, support those who need it most, strengthen local organisations and help create communities where people feel seen, valued and connected.
Bexley is better because of its volunteers — and the Bexley Volunteer Excellence Awards 2026 was a wonderful opportunity to say thank you.
"Thank you so much for inviting me to take part! Such a brilliant celebration of the wonderful work in Bexley."