Mayor Fiaz honoured Newham’s unsung heroes at the 2026 Civic Awards, celebrating volunteers, young talent and community champions whose work strengthens and inspires the borough.
The extraordinary resilience, creativity, and selflessness of Newham’s residents took centre stage on this week as Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE hosted the annual Newham Civic Awards at the Old Stratford Town Hall on Wednesday 5 March.
The ceremony, which has become a cornerstone of the borough’s calendar since its inception in 2022, honoured the ‘unsung heroes’ who embody the spirit of Progress with the People. This year’s event carried added significance as Mayor Fiaz reflected on the awards’ origins as a legacy of the community strength witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From the world-class dynamism of Newham based creative performers, to the quiet, tireless dedication of our volunteers, the Newham Civic Awards ceremony showed the very best of Newham on display.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said: “The Newham Civic Awards celebrate the dedication, generosity, and power of our borough’s communities. Born out of the incredible unity we saw during the pandemic, these awards recognize those who act as a ‘shield’ for the vulnerable and a platform for the talented.
I am struck by the stories of people giving their time, energy, and heart to others. From local food banks to international dance stages, our winners show that when we invest in each other, we build a fairer, stronger Newham. They are the heartbeat of this borough.”
The evening featured world-class performances from the Deborah Day Theatre School Trust, East London Youth Dance Company and IMD Legion, showcasing the young talent that makes Newham a cultural powerhouse.
Alongside commending the lifelong environmental stewardship of Leonard Pringle, the selfless service of Nicole Camille Morris, and the advocacy of young leader Manav Mehta, the award winners showcased the dedicated action taken every day by the borough’s local heroes.
The night also included a poignant tribute to the late Luljeta Nuzi, founder of Newham based Shpresa Programme, and the late Neil Wilson, a dedicated long-standing councillor whose decades of service to Newham left an indelible mark on the borough.
Harry Lewis, Divisional Land & Development Director of Berkeley, one of the key sponsors on the awards, said: "At Berkeley, we don’t just build homes; we create vibrant communities where people want to live, work, and visit.
"With over 10,000 new homes set to be delivered across Newham, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that honour the outstanding individuals and organisations who continue to shape this Borough into the exceptional place it is.
"Congratulations to this year’s award recipients. Your inspiring contributions are deeply valued and continue to have a lasting, positive impact on Newham."
The 2026 Award Winners:
- Good Neighbour Award: Nicole Camille Morris A volunteer powerhouse since 2016, Nicole has dedicated over 1,720 hours across 87 different roles. From Warm Havens to food banks, her perfect attendance and tireless kindness make her a pillar of East Ham.
- Outstanding Contribution Award: IMD Legion From a small street dance crew to 2024 UDO World Champions, IMD Legion provides audition-free, elite training to hundreds of young people, proving that Newham talent knows no bounds.
- Youth Excellence Award: Manav Mehta A champion for inclusion, Manav’s leadership on the Access Newham Map has transformed how young people with SEND navigate the borough, ensuring accessibility for all.
- Community Wealth Builder Award: Jitesh Shah (JK Shah Accountants) For over 30 years, Jitesh has pioneered "inclusive growth," providing local youth with professional finance qualifications and supporting small businesses with transparent, fair guidance.
- Create and Thrive Award: Art For Fun This volunteer-led Beckton initiative uses art to combat the "silent epidemic" of loneliness, providing over 900 hours of creative sanctuary for vulnerable and isolated residents.
- Green Champion Award: Jenny Mwangura As the driving force of the Beckton Environmental Action Team, Jenny leads the charge for climate justice, uniting families to protect local biodiversity and keep Newham’s parks thriving.
- Well Newham Award: Carpenters and Docklands Community Centre Supporting over 1,200 residents weekly, the centre provides a dignified, café-style Warm Haven that integrates NHS health services with essential food and social support.
Additionally, the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Newham was conferred to Leonard Pringle for his lifelong guardianship of nature in his role as co-founder and Chair of the Newham Conservation Volunteers which was established to protect and restore the natural resources of the borough.
In a touching moment Councillor Sarah Ruiz shared a touching personal reflection about the late councillor Neil Wilson awarded posthumously Honorary Alderperson status, which is the highest distinction to be bestow upon a former Councillor.
Supported by sponsors, Berkeley Group, Lendlease, Foundation for Future London, ExCeL London, General Projects and Westfield Stratford City the Newham Civic Awards ceremony was a night that shined a well-deserved spotlight on those who often work quietly behind the scenes.
