Murals, mentoring and podcasting were celebrated with new community awards dedicated to rewarding action, not words last night.
Four community heroes from across East Brighton were celebrated in the inaugural set of awards from East Brighton Trust.
A dedicated volunteer, a community-minded support worker, a school mentorship scheme and an educational campaign group were all recognised for their contributions to East Brighton.
Christine Harrop from Craven Vale Association, who volunteers at the Craven Vale Food Bank, organises free twice-weekly gentle gym sessions, and has painted a community mural.
Presenting the award to Christine, Ty Goddard said: “I first met Christine as a volunteer for fair share.
“Your volunteering through rain, snow, and sunshine at the food bank has been enormous. Alan [Cooke] said in his nomination that Craven Vale, the estate is better because you are there.
“We wanted to recognise your just your tenacity, your generosity, your fundraising for the gym equipment, and also the painting of the mural.
“Thank you for what you do, the way you do it, and the action that you take on behalf of our community.”
Alan Cooke said: “We’re lucky to have so many community champions, but Christine is a number one.”
Another of the awards went to Maha Mustafa, nominated by Trust for Developing Communities (TDC) for her work in expanding their support to ethnic minority communities.
Her work running groups for the BME communities in East Brighton, including with the Act on Cancer Together project and social prescribing, has helped connect communities to links, services and resources.
Her nominator Athol Halle, chief executive at TDC said: “Maha has community spirit running through her.”
Further awards went to the mentoring scheme at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA), celebrating the early success of the year group wide mentoring scheme spearheaded by headteacher Jack Davies.
Mr Davies said: “When I went into the school, I felt that the students had had a bit of a rough deal with covid and coming into a school that was in special measures.
“We’re trying to provide aspiration to every single student that isn’t coming from a parent or a teacher but from an external entity, and that aspiration has built and built and built.
“I can guarantee you that next Friday when all my mentors come in, every one of my year sevens will be there. They’re excited to discuss what’s been going on.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with everyone here, and recognition for their contribution to their communities are extremely well deserved.