Comedian and actor Tim Vine will host this year’s virtual awards ceremony that celebrates the remarkable individuals and groups in Sutton who have gone above and beyond over the last 12 months.

For the third year running, Sutton’s Community Awards are run in partnership between Community Action Sutton, Sutton Housing Partnership, Volunteer Centre Sutton, and Sutton Council. The awards aim to celebrate the individuals, volunteers and community groups that have made an exceptional contribution to making Sutton a better place to live, work and raise a family.

The event is due to be live streamed from the Russettings on Wednesday 23 February across Sutton Council’s YouTube, from 6pm to around 7:30pm.

This year a number of special prizes have been donated from partners across the borough and beyond, including Sutton United Football Club, David Lloyd Cheam, Sutton Library, Everyone Active, F&F Kitchen and Maggie’s Diner, plus many more.

There are ten awards in total, with four new to 2021:

1. The Outstanding Community Champion Award

An individual in the borough who has gone above and beyond to help and support vulnerable people and communities – this could be caring through those in need, or someone who organises local community projects or events.

2. The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award (new)

An individual or organisation that has worked tirelessly to help celebrate and cultivate projects and programmes focused on Sutton’s diverse communities.

3. The Environment Champion Award (new)

An individual who in a voluntary or partnership capacity has led, delivered or supported work aimed at making Sutton greener.

4. The Outstanding Volunteer Award

An individual who has gone above and beyond as a volunteer for a voluntary and community sector organisation, and has made an outstanding contribution to improving the lives of those the organisation supports.

5. The Outstanding Volunteering Group Award

A group of volunteers that have demonstrated a great team spirit and worked together to support a cause or organisation that would only be possible collectively – this could include a business or staff members who volunteer as a group in Sutton.

6. The Outstanding Young Person Award

A young person under 21 years of age who has brought real credit to the borough through exceptional academic, sporting, artistic or cultural achievements. This could be as part of a school, college or private team or club, working in partnership with an organisation or working to achieve a goal independently.

7. The Outstanding Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation of the Year Award

A voluntary and community sector organisation (can be a charity, community group or social enterprise) that has made an outstanding contribution to improving the lives of those they support.

8. The Sue Robson Trustee of the Year Award

An individual who is a Trustee (this is an unpaid role and Trustees may also be known as the board, the management committee, governors, directors) for a charity or organisation, who goes above and beyond to support and represent their organisation, and has played a vital role in leading through COVID-19 and beyond.

9. The Innovator of the Year Award (new)

An individual, charity or social enterprise that has delivered innovative support or services in the face of current challenges presented by COVID-19 on face to face interaction and customer service.

10. The Lifetime Achievement Award (new)

This award will posthumously acknowledge all of the amazing volunteers, champions and colleagues who have supported vulnerable people in the borough over a sustained period of time. Acknowledging colleagues and residents we have lost, particularly during the pandemic.