Pride of Brent

Congratulations to all of the winners who received a Pride of Brent Award yesterday evening (6 July), for going the extra mile to help with acts of kindness.

The Pride of Brent Awards celebrate the unsung heroes and keyworkers in Brent making a positive difference to the lives of local people.

Community groups, businesses and residents got the opportunity to sparkle at a special ceremony held at Brent Civic Centre.

Thank you to all our sponsors, including the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), Community Fibre and Infosys.

Learn more about the winners below.

Community champion of the year

• Harlesden, sponsored by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) – Dean Whitfield: By helping organise local gardening groups, Dean has provided a lifeline for people experiencing isolation, loneliness and other personal challenges.

• Wembley – Chinten Pandya: Local restaurateur Chinten provided over 2,000 hot meals a day to thousands of NHS staff, key workers and vulnerable people at the height of the pandemic.

• Kilburn – Riham Lotfi: From volunteering at the Granville Community Kitchen to offering a listening ear to those who need a chat, Riham devoted herself to her community during the pandemic.

• Kingsbury and Kenton – Geraldine Reid: Geraldine set up a Facebook group to share important information and advice in her community, volunteers at a retirement home and regularly collects items for food banks.

• Willesden – Abdillahi Mohamed: Chair of the Church Road Business Association, Abdillahi has been key to driving positive change in Church End. He also offers local people advice about housing, benefits and council initiatives.

Chief Executive’s Award

• Jasmine Dale: Jasmine always has time for others and is committed to helping young people pursue their talents and reach their full potential.

Volunteer of the year, sponsored by Community Fibre

Sunjay Mehta: Throughout the pandemic, Sunjay delivered food to people in need.

Dianne Margaret Doyle: Despite facing her own personal challenges, Dianne dedicates her time to caring for a vulnerable woman who suffered a stroke.

Environmentalist of the year

Sarah Tomlin: Sarah has led on projects to increase women’s confidence cycling in London and to create a fruit and vegetable garden at Kilburn Park School.

Community project of the year

St Kitts and Nevis London Association: This group’s monthly afternoon tea gives elderly residents a place to come together, socialise and learn something new.

Community group of the year

Iraqi Welfare Association: During the pandemic, with its army of local volunteers, this group proudly delivered over 7,500 food parcels and made 7,400 phone calls to people in Brent.

Eco-project of the year

Brent Pure Energy: By installing solar panels at schools across the borough, Brent Pure Energy has helped schools save money and be more environmentally friendly.

Responsible business of the year

Parkway Patisserie: Since 2020, the Parkway Patisserie has donated fresh bread to mutual aid volunteers for local foodbanks, rough sleepers and vulnerable families.

Most sustainable business of the year, sponsored by Infosys

Global Property Solutions (GPS) Finance: GPS Finance helps people and businesses achieve their financial goals by introducing them to suitable lenders.

Shambhu's: Since its launch, Shambhu’s has served over 60,000 eco-friendly vegan meals and taught thousands of people about healthy vegan food.