#OneSlough awards celebrate 'outstanding' work of volunteers and businesses

The ‘outstanding’ work of volunteers and businesses in the Slough community were recognised at the #OneSlough awards ceremony last week (November 17).

More than 220 guests attended the event at Baylis House to celebrate achievements of both the winners and the record 130 nominees.

Slough Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) organises the awards which had been on hiatus following the COVID pandemic.  

Chief Executive Officer for Slough CVS, Ramesh Kukar, said the awards ‘recognised the outstanding contributions of those who have gone above and beyond to make a difference’.

He added: “We celebrate the volunteers who have tirelessly given their time and energy to help others, the businesses that have supported our community, the charities that have provided essential services and support to Slough residents.”

Slough Mayor, councillor Amjad Abbasi, presented a special award to Ramesh Kukar for his contribution to the town’s voluntary sector.

The Mayor sat on the panel of judges, which also included Slough council leader Dexter Smith, who were tasked with making a final decision on the winners.

Winners included Slough Refugee Bank, who received the NHS award, and the #OneSlough award went to Samreen Aslam and Marriyah Shakoor.

Lorna Allen, also from Slough CVS, said the awards evening had been ‘full of positive vibes’.

“Everyone was in such good spirits - just a fabulous amount of support for the event,” Lorna added.

“The awards involve everyone; all the different businesses and the volunteer sector.”

The evening was hosted by Dominique Unsworth of Slough based film production company, Resource Productions, and Dr Jim O’Donnell.

This year, Lorna said attendees also received an ‘inspiring’ talk from NHS Frimley CEO, Fiona Edwards.

A full list of the winners is as follows:

#OneSlough Award winners:

- Samreen Aslam

- Marriyah Shakoor

Volunteer of the Year winners:

Supporting Children and Young People:

Winner – Cindy Smulders

Highly Commended – Sutyee Pang

Improving the lives of Older People:

Winner – Pushpa Kharbanda

Highly Commended – Sarwat Mazhar

Championing Health and Wellbeing:

Winner – Mark Clements

Highly Commended – Anjali Singhal

Making a Difference to the Environment:

Winner – Cindy Smulders

Highly Commended – Jillian Derbyshire

Breaking down barriers within disability/mental health:

Winner - Anjali Singhal          

Highly Commended – Sbba Siddique

Public Sector Partnership Awards SCB:

Winner – Mark Clements

Highly Commended – Slough North Action Project (SNAP)

Group of the Year winners:

Supporting Children and Young People:

Winner – ABC to Read

Highly Commended – Knit Your Socks Off

Making a Difference to the Environment:

Winner – Slough Anti-Litter Society

Highly Commended – GoodGym Slough

Improving the lives of Older People:

Winner – Asian Carers

Highly Commended – Ujala Foundation

Breaking down barriers within disability/mental health:

Winner – Special Voices

Highly Commended – SHOC

NHS award:

Winner – Slough Refugee Support

Highly Commended – The Baby Bank

Thames Valley Police award:

Winner – Together As One

Business Impact award:

Winner – Coca-Cola

Highly Commended - Art Classes Group

More information on the awards can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/4tn8p2j4 or by searching on X (formerly Twitter) for #OneSlough.