Suffolk Community Awards 2026

Suffolk's Community Heroes Celebrate Awards Ceremony

Community champions from across the county were recognised at the Suffolk Community Awards 2026, with individuals, charities, young people, volunteers and local councils honoured for the extraordinary difference they make to the lives of others.

Held at the Food Museum in Stowmarket, the Awards brought together representatives from communities across Suffolk to celebrate those who dedicate their time, energy and compassion to supporting others. Following a record-breaking 305 nominations, winners were selected from an exceptional field of nominees whose work is helping to strengthen communities throughout the county.

Welcoming guests to the ceremony, Jonathan Agar, Managing Director of the Food Museum, recognised the achievements of every nominee, reflecting that while only a select few could receive an award, each nominee had made a valuable contribution to their community and should feel proud of their achievements.

The Suffolk Community Awards are delivered in partnership by Community Action Suffolk (CAS), Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Association of Local Councils (SALC), recognising the individuals and organisations whose commitment helps make Suffolk a stronger, kinder and more connected place to live.

Hannah Reid, Chief Executive, Community Action Suffolk, said:

"The Suffolk Community Awards celebrate the very best of our county. Every one of our winners has made a meaningful difference to the lives of others, and they represent the thousands of volunteers, community groups and local champions who work tirelessly to support their communities every day. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements."

Among the evening's winners was 15-year-old Oliver Wray, recipient of the Anne Dunford OBE Award. Living with sight loss, autism and epilepsy, Oliver has become Suffolk Sight's first Junior Ambassador, helping to raise awareness of visual impairment, supporting fundraising activities and inspiring others through his determination and commitment to helping people facing similar challenges. His award recognised both his personal resilience and the positive impact he has made within his community.

Amanda Eaves, who nominated Oliver, said:

"Oliver is an incredibly special young man, and I honestly couldn't be prouder of him. At just 15 years old, the passion and commitment he shows for Suffolk Sight is amazing. He goes above and beyond to promote our charity, raise awareness, encourage people to support us, secure donations and raise funds through our collection boxes."

Another inspirational recipient was Evelyn Bloomfield, winner of the Ian Campbell MBE Award. At 96 years old, Evelyn has dedicated almost six decades to community life in Bucklesham, helping establish and sustain organisations, facilities and activities that continue to benefit residents today. Her remarkable service has included helping found Bucklesham Community Council, serving as a parish councillor for 30 years and supporting the village hall committee since the hall was built in 1976

The evening also celebrated organisations whose work has transformed lives across Suffolk. 1 Oak Community Meals received the Social Impact Award for its rapid response to the closure of a long-established meals provider, creating a vital service that now delivers fresh meals, wellbeing checks and regular social contact to vulnerable residents in the Sudbury area. Jam Community Pot was recognised with the Colonel Probert Award for tackling loneliness and social isolation in Stowmarket through a year-round programme of activities and events that bring people together.

Local councils were also recognised for their outstanding contribution to community life. Lowestoft Town Council was named joint winner of the Council of the Year Award and also received the Whole Community Health and Wellbeing Award for its significant investment in parks, sports facilities, community activities and initiatives designed to improve residents' health and wellbeing. Brantham Parish Council shared the Council of the Year Award in recognition of its success in delivering major projects and securing significant investment for local residents.

Councillor Nasima Begum, Mayor of Lowestoft and Chair of Lowestoft Town Council, said:

"Lowestoft Town Council is thrilled to be joint winners of Suffolk Council of the Year. Being a still relatively new council, formed in 2017, we are delighted that what we have achieved so far for our community of over 55,000 in Suffolk's most easterly point has been recognised by our county.

We have embedded the health and wellbeing of our residents in all that we do and have taken focused initiatives to improve the overall wellbeing of our town. That is why we are particularly pleased that we have also been declared winners of the Whole Community Health and Wellbeing Award.

These awards cement a foundation of service to the community which the Town Council fully intends to strengthen and expand."

Sally Longmate, Chief Executive of the Suffolk Association of Local Councils, said:

"What made the evening so special was the warmth, kindness and humanity shown by every nominee and winner. Across Suffolk, so many people quietly give their time, energy and heart to help others, often without ever expecting recognition. These awards are a chance to pause, say thank you, and celebrate the people, parish and town councils, parish meetings, volunteers and organisations who make our communities stronger, kinder and more connected."

While the Awards celebrated achievement, the evening also reflected on the resilience and strength shown by communities facing difficult circumstances during the past year.

Guests heard acknowledgement of the response shown by residents, volunteers, community organisations and emergency services following the devastating fires affecting the communities of Dunwich and Westleton. Their determination, compassion and willingness to support one another demonstrated the very community spirit the Awards seek to celebrate.

The ceremony included a poignant tribute to the people of Brantham, following the tragic loss of young Noah Woods. During the presentation of Brantham Parish Council's Council of the Year Award, the community's response during the search and in the weeks that followed was recognised, before guests observed a minute's silence in Noah's memory.

Following this moving tribute, Mal Bridgeman, Chair of Brantham Parish Council, addressed guests on behalf of the community. In an emotional and heartfelt speech, he spoke of the extraordinary unity, compassion and resilience shown by the people of Brantham during one of the most difficult periods in the village's history. He reflected on the remarkable community spirit demonstrated throughout the search for Noah and in the weeks that followed, highlighting how residents, volunteers, organisations and neighbouring communities came together to support one another. His words served as a powerful reminder of the strength that can be found in community, and of the far-reaching impact that kindness, solidarity and collective action can have in times of tragedy.

The moment served as a powerful reminder that community is not defined only by celebration and success, but by the way people come together to support one another during the most difficult of times. As the evening drew to a close, that message remained at the heart of the Suffolk Community Awards: that behind every project, service, charity, volunteer and local council are people who care enough to act, and whose efforts continue to make an extraordinary difference to communities throughout Suffolk.