The outstanding contributions of community heroes from across the district were celebrated in style at the second Thanet Community Champions Awards ceremony. The prestigious event was held at The Pavilion in Broadstairs, bringing together the very best of local voluntary and community spirit.
A Celebration of Selfless Service
This important initiative, created by Thanet District Council and expertly organised by Social Enterprise Kent (SEK), is dedicated to recognising the remarkable efforts of individuals, groups, and organisations. These are the people who consistently go above and beyond to improve the lives of others living in Thanet.
Funded by the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the awards serve a vital purpose: to shine a spotlight on the indispensable role played by the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. The ceremony celebrates volunteers, charity workers, youth leaders, and community groups whose dedication and hard work often go unseen and unheralded in daily life.
Selecting the Winners
Following a strong and enthusiastic response from the public during the nomination period, the judging process took place in November 2025. An independent panel had the challenging task of selecting this year's winners from a wide and impressive range of community activities and charitable causes.
The awards featured a number of special categories designed to recognise exceptional achievement and long-standing commitment to the community. The full list of categories and the deserving award winners is available for public viewing on the council's official website.
Inspiring Words from Leaders
Councillor Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property at Thanet District Council, shared her thoughts on the event. "It was a real pleasure to attend the Thanet Community Champions Awards for 2026, where some of the people were recognised who work so hard to make Thanet a better place to live," she said.
"Hearing first-hand about the wide range of work that's going on across the district is a real inspiration. Each project makes a positive and individual impact on our communities." Cllr Duckworth added, "These awards not only recognise outstanding contributions from groups and individuals but will also, I hope, encourage more people to get involved in community initiatives."
Rebecca Smith, CEO of Social Enterprise Kent, also expressed her honour in being involved. "These awards are a powerful reminder of the strength of our communities," she stated. "Every winner here today represents countless hours of dedication, compassion and hard work. It has been an honour to work with Thanet District Council to deliver another fantastic celebration of our local champions."
A Day of Connection and Learning
In addition to the awards ceremony, local VCSE organisations were invited to a dedicated conference on the same day. This provided a valuable platform for networking and knowledge sharing.
Representatives from over 90 different organisations attended, seizing the opportunity to connect with peers, hear important updates on Thanet's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and listen to presentations from successful community projects. Further detailed information on Thanet's UK Shared Prosperity Fund is also available on the council's website.
