Derby Voluntary Sector Awards 2026

Celebrating Derby’s community spirit at the Voluntary Sector Awards 2026

On Thursday 4 June, Derby’s charity sector came together to celebrate the individuals, groups and organisations making a difference across the city at the 2026 Derby Voluntary Sector Awards.

Hosted by Community Action Derby, in partnership with Derby Homes and with support from the Cosy Foundation, the event recognised the dedication, compassion and commitment of those who work tirelessly to support Derby’s communities and make the city a better place.

Held during national Volunteers’ Week, the event brought together people from across the voluntary and community sector to celebrate the vital and often unseen work taking place in our communities every day.

Kim Harper, CEO of Community Action Derby, said:

“Every year, we are inspired by the dedication shown by people across Derby who work tirelessly to support others. The awards give us the chance to recognise that contribution and celebrate the difference being made in communities across the city. It was a fantastic night, and we are proud to celebrate everyone who was nominated with a personalised certificate, as well as this year’s winners.”

A total of 14 awards were presented on the night, with winners selected from 140 nominations, highlighting the wide range of activity across Derby, from grassroots community groups and charities to volunteers, youth initiatives, sports clubs and creative organisations.

Awards were presented by a range of special guests, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill, and the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Syed Iftikhar.

The evening was both emotional and uplifting, shining a spotlight on the individuals and organisations at the heart of Derby’s voluntary sector and highlighting the powerful impact they have on people’s lives across the city.

The 2026 winners are:

• Arts, Culture and Heritage Award – Anansi Theatre Company
  A theatre company creating space for girls and women of colour in Derby to express themselves, build confidence and tell their own stories.
• Community Champion Award – Katie Bentley
  A dedicated volunteer with Bridge the Gap who supports families facing challenges, often working behind the scenes to ensure the organisation runs effectively.
•  Community Space Award – Connected Perinatal Support CIC
  A volunteer-led organisation providing support to families during pregnancy and early parenthood, creating safe and welcoming spaces for connection.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award – Normanton Steering Group – DT Communities
  A community-led group that has transformed Derby’s cultural landscape through a programme of events, performances and workshops shaped by local people.
• Green Ambassador Award – Ali Davies-Marsh
  Founder of Greener Littleover, leading environmental projects and community initiatives that bring people together and inspire local action.
•  Health and Wellbeing Award – Katrina Foulkes
  A volunteer with the Deaf Cancer Support Project, using her own experience to support Deaf BSL users affected by cancer with empathy and compassion.
•  Lifetime Achievement Award – Doug Whitlam
  Recognised for over 40 years of dedication, volunteering in Derby’s swimming community, making a lasting impact across Derby, Derbyshire and beyond.
• New Arrivals Ambassador Award – New Arrivals Voice
  A lived-experience-led group supporting people new to the city, helping them navigate services, build connections and feel part of their community.
• Overcoming Barriers Award – Aisha Silverwood
  Founder of The Happiness Hub Derby, using her lived experience and resilience to support others and inspire people facing their own challenges.
• Sporting Award – Kenny Sharpe
  A long-standing volunteer who has dedicated over 20 years to running Stockbrook Colts Football Club, supporting grassroots sport and his community.
• Trustee of the Year Award – Mark Richardson
  Chair of Trustees at Safe and Sound, providing leadership and strategic direction and playing a vital role in guiding the charity through a period of significant challenge and growth.
• Young Volunteer Award (Age 5–17) – Corey Dobson
  An inspiring young volunteer who, at just nine years old, walked 100 miles in one month and raised over £1,800 to support Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.
• Young Volunteer Award (Age 18–24) – D’Mya Sandar
  A dedicated young volunteer balancing study, work and community involvement while raising funds to support Derby Toc H Children’s Camp.
• Youth Work Award – Ajibola Olajide-Shokunbi
  A volunteer engaging young people in STEM education by making science exciting and accessible, inspiring the next generation to develop skills and confidence.

Event Programme

You can read more about the winners and find a full list of nominees, in the event programme, which can be downloaded below:

Derby Voluntary Sector Awards 2026 Programme

Nominees Video

While not everyone can take home an award, every nominee deserves recognition, so we want to say thank you for everything they do. We created a video of photos and quotes from many of the nominations we received to be played at the awards event and you can watch it here!

Event Photos

You can see some photos of the winners below. View the full photo album here!