Recognising resident leadership shaping stronger communities
Our Resident Hero Award winners represent the impact of resident leadership across our communities. Their work supports local priorities, including placemaking, health and wellbeing, safety, and environmental resilience. They have delivered initiatives that reduce isolation, increase participation, and strengthen trust in local services.
As part of Clarion’s 125th anniversary activity, we asked residents to nominate people who show consistent commitment to improving where they live and who work in partnership with others to achieve positive outcomes. We received nominations from across the country, highlighting a wide range of resident-led projects that support vibrant, safe, and sustainable neighbourhoods.
Following a panel review, we are pleased to introduce five winners whose contributions demonstrate the value of strong resident partnerships.
Viv
Keen gardener Viv helped to transform an overgrown communal garden into a thriving, sustainable space, where neighbours can gather and forge friendships. With a clear vision, environmentally friendly values, and through hard work and determination, Viv sourced recycled materials, encouraged donations, and led a project that is now a cherished focal point for her community.
Her leadership and passion for her community extends even further: working closely with the local council, Viv championed improved recycling and estate cleanliness.
Viv said: “We started the garden because we all wanted to get to know each other and have a nice space to sit in. Everything in the garden we’ve recycled. We try and use as much as we possibly can without things going into landfill. That’s our ethos.”
Dorinda
For more than 25 years, Dorinda has been the beating heart of the Sutton Estate. Her commitment to community cohesion is reflected in the inclusive events she has helped organised – from VE Day celebrations to activities for families – creating opportunities for people to meet and feel supported.
She plays an essential role in supporting local charities and helping vulnerable neighbours by connecting them with key services, particularly during the pandemic. She also founded the now-beloved Sunken Garden - a shared space that has become central to community life.
Dorinda said: “The Sunken Garden was really important to have as a project, to keep it going, so we could check in with each other in the community. You see people chatting and connecting with each other, because a lot of people have made friends in the garden that would never have met each other ordinarily.”
Riff
A pillar of his community, LiveSmart resident Riff has worked tirelessly to shrink isolation and improve wellbeing. As the driving force behind the celebrated LiveSmart Games, he designs inclusive activities so everyone - even those with limited mobility - can feel motivated and join in with wellbeing-enhancing exercises.
Partnering with Intergenerational Music Makers, Riff has helped expand the programme from his Hackey to Islington, widening its impact. Every week, he leads chair-based movement sessions and co-ordinates community celebrations that strengthen participation and belonging.
Riff said: “Alot of the people who come here in the beginning they could barely move, so it motivated them, gets them to move. It’s nice that people recognise what you do. I’m really proud of how a few of these residents have really progressed health-wise.”
Shahena
Shahena’s journey from volunteer to artist in residence demonstrates the transformative power of community involvement. She founded a Games Night to bring families together and through her volunteering with St Margaret’s House, earned an Artists Residency –launched with a joyful Eid celebration.
Shahena volunteered with St Margaret’s House, a community arts and wellbeing centre, where her dedication earned her an Artists Residency - launched with a vibrant Eid celebration. She has become a role model for young Muslim mothers, blending family, community, and creativity.
Shahena said: “[Winning the award] feels surreal considering two years ago I was feeling quite lost. What am I most proud of? I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown in this journey - from games club to now. I’ve done so much within two years. I’ve started a social enterprise somehow!”
Ann
Driven by a passion for sustainability, Ann has reshaped her estate with green inspired innovation. Since 2022, she has led composting and green waste initiatives, founded a Green Waste Steering Group, and transformed unused land into a flourishing shared garden.
Her work has influenced councils and local organisations, demonstrating how resident-led initiatives can inspire broader environmental change.
She helped transform an unused pocket of land into a thriving shared garden where residents grow food and connect with nature. She has also led sustainability workshops and inspired local councils and organisations to adopt greener practices.
Ann said: “One of the things that has been really nice is getting to talk to your neighbours because you’d pass them in the lift because you’d have no reason to talk to them, you don’t know them. But now you’re down here, people share plants and produce, so we’ve really got to know each other. For me it’s made a happier community - it’s less anonymous, everybody knows each other.
“Tackling climate change is something really important and anything that any of us can do to help that is a positive.”
Celebrating the resident leaders strengthening our communities
Each of our Resident Heroes has shown exceptional commitment to making a positive, tangible difference, bringing energy, leadership, pride, ingenuity, and a love for their community. To recognise their achievements, we presented each winner with a trophy, certificate, and gift voucher.
We know there are hundreds more extraordinary residents whose efforts day in day out make our communities stronger. We extend our sincere thanks to them all.
For residents, if you would like to explore ways to get involved, visit our Community Life page.
Celebrating our Resident Heroes - the highlights
Reflecting on our landmark year
This milestone year has been marked by initiatives that celebrate community leadership and invest in the future – from William Sutton Prize Scholarships in Architecture and Sustainability, to our filmmaking programme and the Making a Difference Fund, which helps turn innovative ideas into reality.
Alongside looking back at our history, we have also been looking ahead by establishing an external Foresight Group of thought leaders in health, economics, equity, digital, sustainability, regenerative design, architecture, and finance to identify the ‘five giants of the future’, inspired by the Beveridge Report, and propose solutions to address them.
Explore our dedicated Clarion 125 website for more information.