Thanet Community Champions Conference and Awards
Exceptional Achievement
Community heroes from across the district were celebrated today, Wednesday 28 January 2026, at the second Thanet Community Champions Awards, held at The Pavilion, Broadstairs. The initiative created by Thanet District Council and organised by Social Enterprise Kent (SEK), recognises the outstanding contribution of individuals, groups and organisations who go above and beyond to improve the lives of others in Thanet. Funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the awards shine a spotlight on the vital role played by the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, celebrating volunteers, charity workers, youth leaders and community groups whose dedication often goes unseen. Following a strong response from the public during the nomination period, judging took place in November 2025, with an independent panel selecting this year’s winners from across a wide range of community activities and causes.
The full list of categories and award winners is available on the council’s website. There were a number of special awards which recognised exceptional achievement and long-standing commitment to the community. Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property at Thanet District Council, said:
“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. “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. “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, said:
“These awards are a powerful reminder of the strength of our communities. 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.” Local VCSE organisations were also invited to a conference on the same day (Wednesday 28 January). Representatives from over 90 organisations attended, taking the opportunity to network, hear updates on Thanet’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and presentations from community projects. Further information on Thanet’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund is available on the council’s website.
2026 Thanet Community Champions Award winners:
Academy FM Thanet
Alex Stockley & the T50 Boxing & Fitness Academy
Angela Grafton – Margate Caves
Brett Bone “Mr Quizzer”
Brian Wray - 2433 Thanet Squadron RAFAC ATC Kent Wing
Carl and Heather Whitewood - The Salvation Army
Charlie Hannah - Music 4 Wellbeing
Christopher Cox - Royal Temple Yacht Club
Community Lifesavers
Connor Gorham - CG Fight Club
Crampton Tower Museum – Crampton Crew
Danny Harris and Mental Health United FC
Darren Sayer - Coastal Striders
David Lawless - Westgate Boys Brigade
Harry Grafton - The Zone Youth Club Broadstairs
Hilary Askew - Margate Women’s Institute
Jayne Furniss - Mama to Mama
Jayne Wright - JAW Ceramics
John Finnegan and the MiCommunity Team - Margate Independent Foodbank
John Harvey - Broadstairs Food Festival CIC
June Chadband - Cliftonville Farmers Market
Kane McArthur - Scorcha Skate School
Kent Coast Volunteering Community Transportation Service
Malcolm Gunton - Blood Bikers
Margate Ambulance Corps
Nicola Harwood - SpeakUpCIC
Nicole Campbell - 3D Care CIC
Nik Mitchell - Get Wild
Open Arms Team - Pie Factory Music
Ramsgate Ladies Leg-Ends Futsal Team
Rose Collier - 1st Margate Girls' Brigade
Ross Walker - Circular Margate
Sharon Goodyer - Bread and Roses
Still Waters Christian Counselling Centre
Tanya Curran - Coastal Community Learning
Teresa Askew - Great British Carnivals
Thanet Galaxy Pan Disability Football Club Coaches
Thanet Lions SEND Team - Thanet Wanderers RUFC
The Gap Project
Tyler Frankland & Thanet Parkour Academy
Ukrainian Community in Kent
United Mothers Volunteering Team - Beyond the Page
