The 2026 Derby Voluntary Sector Awards brought together the city's charity sector to recognise extraordinary individuals and groups making a massive difference. Hosted by Community Action Derby with local partners, the ceremony took place during National Volunteers' Week, with 14 awards presented from 140 public nominations.
Winners Honoured by Dignitaries
Prestigious trophies were handed out by special guests including the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill, and the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Syed Iftikhar. The diverse list of winners highlighted the breadth of community work across Derby.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Award
Anansi Theatre Company won for creating a vital space for girls and women of colour to express themselves.
Community Champion Award
Katie Bentley was recognised for her dedicated behind-the-scenes family support work with Bridge the Gap.
Community Space Award
Connected Perinatal Support CIC won for creating safe, volunteer-led, welcoming spaces for new parents.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award
Normanton Steering Group – DT Communities transformed Derby's cultural landscape through local workshops.
Green Ambassador Award
Ali Davies-Marsh, founder of Greener Littleover, was honoured for inspiring local environmental action.
Health and Wellbeing Award
Katrina Foulkes used her lived experience to support Deaf BSL users affected by cancer.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Doug Whitlam received the award for over 40 years of dedication to Derby's grassroots swimming community.
New Arrivals Ambassador Award
New Arrivals Voice, a lived-experience-led group, helps people new to the city navigate services and settle in.
Overcoming Barriers Award
Aisha Silverwood, founder of The Happiness Hub Derby, was recognised for using her resilience to inspire others facing hardship.
Sporting Award
Kenny Sharpe won for dedicating over 20 years to running the Stockbrook Colts Football Club.
Trustee of the Year Award
Mark Richardson, Chair of Trustees at Safe and Sound, provided stellar leadership through periods of growth.
Young Volunteer Award (Age 5–17)
Corey Dobson, an inspiring nine-year-old, walked 100 miles in a single month to raise over £1,800 for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.
Young Volunteer Award (Age 18–24)
D’Mya Sandar balanced studies and work while raising vital funds for the Derby Toc H Children’s Camp.
Youth Work Award
Ajibola Olajide-Shokunbi engaged local young people and made STEM education exciting and accessible.
CEO Comments
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.”
The uplifting evening successfully put the spotlight on the grassroots organisations at the very heart of the city's voluntary network. More information is available on the Community Action Derby website. Image: S.H Photos. Location: Derby in Derbyshire.
