Celebrating Community Excellence: Good Neighbour Awards 2024

We are thrilled to announce the success of our third Good Neighbour Awards, a cherished tradition where we gather to recognise individuals who make our neighbourhood a better place to live. With 9 nominations this year, it’s clear that kindness and goodwill continue to thrive in our community. We are grateful to everyone who contributes to making our neighbourhood such a wonderful place.

A special thanks to our dedicated judges, including pupils from Rushey Mead Academy, Cllr Susan Barton, and Cllr Manjula Sood MBE. Their time and commitment were essential in making these awards a reality.

     

    We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors. Our main sponsor this year was Cambridge and Counties Bank, and our second main sponsor was NDA Plumbing and Heating Services. Other sponsors include:

    • Neotech
    • Nic Bliss
    • Patsons Electrical Services
    • Pinnacle Group
    • Ultrashield Windows Ltd.
    • Matt Throops
    • GW Throops Contractors

     

    • Manjula Sood MBE and Aryanna Sood
    • Kirit Mistry – South Asian Health Action and The Phoenix Way
    • Vikram Ideal Heating and Gas
    • Mihir RMG General Property Services
    • Max Cleaners
    • Rogers Spencer Chartered Accountants

     

    Your continued support means the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful for your contributions to our community.

    We applaud all the nominees for their commitment and kindness, including  Ilabhen Gordon, Laximan Dera, Kulwant Singh, Indobhen Barot, Usha Chudasama, Neetu Squire, Fazila Moosa, and Shabana Ahmed.

    Special Recognition goes to Laximan Dera, who lifts everyone’s spirits at our Loughborough Cottages sheltered scheme with his hard work in transforming the garden into a beautiful space for all to enjoy.

    In Third Place, we honour Neetu Squire from Leicestershire Cares. Neetu connects local businesses, authorities, and community groups to improve services and support for those in need. Among her many contributions:

     

    • She led the Bags of Hope campaign, delivering over 900 gift bags and 1,400 Easter eggs.
    • Organised Leicester’s largest Iftar dinner, bringing together 340 people.
    • Bridged communities by connecting Hindu and Somali groups.
    • Saved two young girls from suicide and continues to provide ongoing support.
    • Regularly delivers meals and visits elderly and struggling individuals.
    • Helped charities secure £20k in funding and supported various youth programs.

     

    Judges described Neetu as a “superhero,” recognising her for going above and beyond in everything she does for the community.

    Award presented by Cllr Manjula Sood.

    In Second Place, we recognise Shabana Ahmed from Wesley Hall Community Centre. Shabana was nominated for her compassion and dedication to supporting her community through various initiatives, including:

     

    • Offering translation services in six languages to help people communicate and access essential services.
    • Creating a support group for women affected by domestic violence, offering them a safe space and assistance.
    • Organising community events and volunteering as a Trustee at Wesley Hall Community Centre.
    • Collaborating with Leicestershire Police to support local initiatives – all while being a busy mum of six.

     

    The judges praised her for being “kind to all” and consistently supportive. They were particularly impressed by her language skills, which have made a significant impact on the community, and her work to help women through difficult times.

     

    Congratulations to Shabana Ahmed, our Second Place Winner!

    Award presented by Cllr Susan Barton.

    In First Place, we are proud to honour Usha Chudasama. Usha has triumphed over her own personal trauma to become an inspirational figure, empowering herself and countless other women through her selfless dedication to the community. Her work spreads peace and love, and she is actively involved in supporting people with mental health challenges and dementia.

     

    The judges had these wonderful things to say about Usha:

     

    • “Our first prize winner is a woman who, after overcoming her own trauma, has empowered herself and many others. Her work brings peace and love, supporting people suffering from mental health issues and dementia. She is an example of how to volunteer selflessly.” –

    Cllr Manjula Sood MBE

    • “This lady stood out among all other nominees. Despite her trials and tribulations, she continues to embody kindness, helping her community and staying positive to encourage others. This is why she truly deserves this award. Well done, Usha, you earned this.”  –

    Rushey Mead Student Council

    • “She is a fantastic role model as a good neighbour, helping those around her and volunteering at the food hub. She strives for self-improvement and shares her skills with others, setting a great example for the wider community.”

     

    Huge congratulations to Usha Chudasama, our 1st Place Winner!

    Award presented by the Lord Mayor of Leicester Cllr Bhupen Dave.

    Young Person Award, This year, we were fortunate to have three outstanding nominations for the Young Person’s Award. All three nominees have made remarkable contributions to their communities, and after much deliberation, we decided that each deserved to be equally recognised. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements and present them all with an award!

    Our first winner is Shaylan Lakhani, a passionate footballer and recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Through the We Will: Strive, Rise & Succeed programme at EAVA FM, Shaylan developed skills in DJing, songwriting, and rapping. He has become an inspiring role model for young people, showing how dedication and creativity can make a difference. Congratulations, Shaylan!

    Next, we recognise Aman Sandhu, a talented and driven young person who recently completed her A-Levels. Aman also took part in the We Will: Strive, Rise & Succeed programme, where she learned DJing, songwriting, and recorded her first bilingual song in English and Punjabi. In addition, she is preparing for her first competitive boxing match, proving to be an inspiring role model. Congratulations, Aman!

    Our third award goes to Daniyaal Alli, a dedicated and caring young person who volunteers every Saturday at the Wesley Hall youth club. Daniyaal’s joyful, kind nature and creative energy have made a significant impact on the community. By fostering inclusivity and supporting shy individuals, he has become a trusted role model and earned the appreciation of both parents and peers. Congratulations, Daniyaal!

    Award presented by Rupert Matthews – Police and Crime Commissioner

     

    We also want to give a special tribute to the incredible volunteers of the Belgrave Food Hub, whose tireless efforts and dedication have been instrumental in supporting our community. Week after week, these volunteers work selflessly to ensure that those in need have access to essential food and resources. Their compassion and hard work have made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do. Thank you to the Belgrave Food Hub volunteers for embodying the spirit of community and kindness.

    Once again, we express our gratitude to the judges and sponsors who helped make this event possible. Your commitment to our neighbourhood is deeply appreciated, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of celebrating excellence within our community.