A hairdresser, a window cleaner and the organiser of the Archway Christmas lights were among those honoured by Islington Council last night (March 14).

A total of eight people from the borough were presented with a Civic Award at a ceremony held in Islington Assembly Hall.

The winner of this year’s Ben Kinsella Award, a special youth award, was also announced.

The winners of the Mayor’s Civic Awards are listed below:

  • Volunteers at Hive Food Bank in St Mary’s Hornsey Rise, who were praised for their weekly efforts to ensure local people in food poverty get the supplies they need.
  • Hairdresser Sharon Hussein, who was described as “a viral community resource” for her efforts visiting elderly people and running errands for them. She was also commended for being a good listener for people who are experiencing mental health problems.
  • Janice Tucker, the founder of the Archway Town Centre Group, which works with local businesses, the police and the council to improve the Archway area. Most recently, Janice was instrumental in organising the Archway festive lights event.
  • Marie Williamson, for her work supporting survivors of domestic abuse who are seeking refuge.
  • Paul Badman, a window cleaner who spent ten years caring for his mother-in-law who had dementia. 
  • Toni Parker, a lifelong Islington resident who runs Pack Up, a community food service at St James’ Church Hall. Toni and her team have provided a free lunch for an increasing number of people every Monday for six years.
  • Nicholas Crivello, who nurtures and supports children and young people at Soapbox Youth Centre.

The team at FoodCycle in Finsbury Park, which is a charity that uses surplus food to provide a free three-course meal for people in need every Wednesday.

The winner of this year’s Ben Kinsella Award was Charlie Bridgeman. He was nominated for his work at Zone Youth Centre’s café.

Islington Council said that Charlie had supported other young people, overcome personal obstacles of his own, and raised money for charity.

The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Marian Spall, chaired a panel to pick the winners, who each received a voucher for an independent local gift shop of their choice.

This Is Local London: Islington Mayor Cllr Marian Spall at the awards ceremony Islington Mayor Cllr Marian Spall at the awards ceremony (Image: Islington Council)

She said: “In Islington, we stand with our communities, and we celebrate the fantastic people who go above and beyond to improve the lives of others.

“I want to thank all of the winners, and everyone who was nominated, for helping us to make Islington a more equal borough.”