Celebrating London's Make a Difference winners

BBC Radio London's Make a Difference Awards returned this year to celebrate the people who go above and beyond for their communities.

The awards shine a light on unsung heroes across eight categories, recognising volunteers, fundraisers, community groups and individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Launched during the first Covid lockdown in 2020, the awards were created to connect those offering support with those who needed help.

This year's ceremony was hosted by BBC Radio London's Aaron Paul and Make a Difference presenter Gaby Roslin.

Here is the full list of BBC Radio London's 2026 Make a Difference Award winners:

Sonya founded Olive Branch Aid, a south London charity that provides food parcels, wellbeing support and advocacy.

As the organisation's driving force, she has helped hundreds of people access support and tackle the issues that led them to seek help in the first place.

"This award isn't just for me, it's for the whole organisation and our volunteers and staff, trustees - everybody really," she said.

Sonya said the charity's work extends far beyond emergency food support.

"Food is the first thing that we support them with in terms of dealing with their immediate needs but actually it's dealing with the issues that are behind that.

"What brings them to our door really and helping them solve those issues."

After her father died when she was three years old, Nariyah-Rose used drawing and writing to find her way through grief.

What began as a personal coping tool became a powerful mission to help others.

At seven years old, she published her first book, Dancing with Daddy's Memory – to remind people that memories last forever and that it is okay to express their feelings.

"I wanted to give comfort to other children who lost their loved ones," she said.

Nariyah-Rose also speaks in schools and at community events about her experience.

Nominated for her "courage, creativity and compassion", Nariyah-Rose thanked those who had supported her as she accepted the award on stage.

Ghost is one of the four-legged stars of Strength & Learning Through Horses, a charity that helped nearly 650 young people last year.

Alongside 13 other horses, Ghost provides a calm and supportive environment for children and teenagers who may be struggling.

Rosie and Gemma, the charity's co-founders, collected the award on Ghost's behalf.

"A safe place for young people to kind of think about their own challenges and feel that it's okay," Rosie said.

She added that the horses could often reach young people in ways traditional settings could not.

"We work with very, very challenged young people who have had really difficult life experiences."

After retiring from social work, Rifat opened a community café on Acton High Street with the simple aim of bringing people together.

The Coffee House has since become a hub for local residents, particularly those in need of support, with many seeing it as a place where they will always find a warm welcome.

"I actually opened a coffee shop because I wanted to create community. Nowadays I think we don't have that as much as we used to.

"People come in and feel comfortable, safe, and that just creates a good environment."

She said she regularly supports people experiencing homelessness, many of whom visit the café.

Rita Sinclair turned her love of dance into a way of helping others, with her classes growing into tea dances and social events that bring people together.

After losing her husband to cancer two years ago, she began fundraising for St Francis Hospice, helping to raise more than £46,000 through the charity's Strictly-themed event.

"I would give one of these awards to every single person that works there because they're so amazing," she said.

Rita added that she was "completely overwhelmed" to win the award, adding: "It's been a great day. It's been lovely meeting lots of special people."

Ben Morris founded Clean Up the River Brent, a volunteer-led group dedicated to protecting the river and its wildlife.

Through clean-up events and conservation work, he has brought together people from across the community while helping improve the river's ecological health.

When collecting the award, Ben invited members of his team on stage.

"It's wonderful to have the recognition and it's just a great undertaking really for us all," he said.

Ben added the project "brings people across all kind of boundaries and borders, and people who wouldn't otherwise know each other."

He described the awards as a "tribute to the wonderful city" that showcased "the richness of the community we have".

For 27 years, Maggie Linford has volunteered with the Friends of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, helping raise tens of thousands of pounds for hospital services through events including the annual Christmas bazaar.

"To be told that I had been nominated, that was an astonishing moment. And then of course to get the award is just amazing. I'm thrilled to bits actually," she said.

Maggie said volunteering keeps her connected to the hospital community.

"I've always had a thing about hospitals. I've worked in a few, I used to be a social worker and an occupational therapist.

"I just love hospitals and I just I think it's terribly important to have something to do during the day."

Hummingbirds Stay and Play provides a welcoming space for parents who may otherwise feel isolated, offering practical support as well as a sense of community.

Alongside providing essential items for families in need, the group helps parents build confidence and connect with others facing similar challenges.

A representative said: "It's a really special day for Hummingbirds.

"For the nomination to come from one of our parents - we know we do a good job, but for them to tell us is amazing, and we really appreciate that."

You can listen to a special programme dedicated to the winners of Make A Difference on BBC Radio London this Friday night at 7pm or Wednesday 23 September at 1pm, or on BBC Sounds.

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