Pride of Waltham Forest Awards 2025 winners revealed

Eleven accolades recognised people making a significant impact in the community.

The ceremony took place at Waltham Forest Town Hall on Tuesday, September 16.

Monwara Ali received the leader's special recognition award.

Monwara Ali's son Maruf collected her leader's special recognition award from Grace Williams (right)(Image: WF Council)

The council said that Monwara, in her role as chief executive of Waltham Forest Community Hub for more than 15 years, has created a welcoming space offering services from mindfulness sessions to employment support.

She also chairs the equity, diversity, and inclusion committee at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and mentors women into leadership roles.

John Struthers was given the mayor's civic award for his contribution to tackling the housing crisis.

John Struthers - mayor's civic award(Image: WF Council)

John empowered a group in Walthamstow to build their own home and led the Time to Grow campaign, transforming unused spaces into community gardens.

John is also the co-chair of the ward panel and a leader in the Community Good Share.

The young trailblazer award went to 15-year-old Courtney Pemble, a three-time national boxing champion.

Courtney Pemble - young trailblazer award(Image: WF Council)

Courtney volunteers at her local boxing club, helping those with additional needs or low confidence.

The Mile Rainbow CIC received the enterprise for all award.

Mile Rainbow CIC - enterprise for all award(Image: WF Council)

The social enterprise tackles health inequalities in global majority communities with its preventive emotional vaccine model.

It has completed 36 projects, reaching 3,500 people in Waltham Forest.

The health and wellbeing champion of the year award went to The Snug, in Greenleaf Road, Walthamstow.

The Snug - health and wellbeing champion of the year(Image: WF Council)

The Snug offers a supportive environment for people to share mental health struggles and find connection.

The Re-Loved Club won the greener futures award for rehoming more than 10,000 garments through their preloved fashion markets.

Justine Anderson received the safer neighbourhoods champion award for her work as an anti-social behaviour officer.

Sajida Ahmed - community champion(Image: WF Council)

Sajida Ahmed, founder and chair of the Oak Foundation, was named a community champion.

The Oak Foundation supports local children and adults with disabilities and their families.

Volunteer of the year was awarded to Åsa Eriksson, who has raised thousands of pounds for a primary school in Leytonstone.

Soundcastle, which brings together different age groups through music, was given the cultural connections award.

The carer of the year award went to Shqiponja Plaku, praised by a foster child for providing support and a structured routine.

The child 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."

Each winner was celebrated for their unique contributions at the awards ceremony at Waltham Forest Town Hall.