The second Compassionate Champion event, held on 23 January 2025, reaffirmed Colchester’s commitment to building a community rooted in empathy and kindness.
Following the success of the inaugural awards ceremony in October 2024, this event once again brought together local individuals, projects, and organisations who have made extraordinary efforts to support those facing challenges such as illness, ageing, caregiving, and bereavement.
As the first Compassionate City in the East of England, Colchester continues to champion the values of kindness and compassion. This award presentation underscored the importance of recognising those who embody these principles. With nominations submitted by members of the community, the awards reflect Colchester’s shared spirit of care and empathy. The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Lesley Scott-Boutell presented certificates and badges to honour the nominees, acknowledging the individuals, projects, and places that demonstrate compassion in action.
The Compassionate Project Award
- Red Lion Book Shop: Commended for organising a Death Club, providing a supportive space for conversations about end-of-life topics.
- Informa Group Ltd: Celebrated for raising £43,000 for St Helena Hospice over 16 years, showcasing their enduring dedication to the hospice's mission.
- Refugee, Asylum-seeker & Migrant Action (RAMA): Recognised for providing essential support to refugees and asylum seekers.
- Darren Couchman: Recognised for his impactful work within the cancer community.
- Gemma Wright: Lauded for her dance charity initiatives.
- Hayley Ullua: Honoured for her extensive community involvement.
- Janine Parsons: For her exceptional dedication to supporting the community.
- Jill Wilkinson: Praised for her kindness and dedication to end-of-life care as a volunteer at St Helena Hospice.
- Jonathan Neill: For his deeply involvement in charity work, offering advice and practical help to those in need.
- Maria Wilby: Nominated by Emma Howe for her tireless advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers, including addressing sensitive cases involving FGM.
- Nicola Newbery: Nominated by Sarah McCarthy and celebrated for her sobriety and invaluable support within the recovery community.
- Priya Saxena: Commended for building a network for Indian women and helping those in need.
- Ty Bowring (Ty the Beach Hut Guy): Honoured for his initiative offering free beach hut days to families in need, including those under hospice care.
At the end of the ceremony, the award recipients were also given the special opportunity to step into the historic Town Hall Chamber, where they celebrated their achievements with photographs alongside the Mayor. This memorable experience allowed them to reflect on their contributions in a setting that symbolises the heart of Colchester’s community spirit.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Lesley Scott-Boutell, said: "Kindness has the power to change lives. By helping one another, we not only strengthen our community but also create a ripple effect of compassion that reaches far beyond what we can see. Each act of care, no matter how small, makes a difference to someone’s life and reminds us of the profound impact we can have when we come together to support one another."
Greg Cooper, Strategic Partnerships and Community Development Manager at St Helena Hospice, added: "This event is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions of those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s inspiring to see such kindness and compassion in action, and I encourage everyone to look around them and nominate the individuals and groups who bring light and hope to our community."
The next Compassionate Award presentation is scheduled for April 2025, and nominations are now open. Whether it’s a supportive neighbour, a local initiative, or a business spreading kindness, these champions deserve to be acknowledged for their positive contributions. To nominate a Compassionate Community Champion, visit www.sthelena.org.uk/compassion.
Page last reviewed: 29 January 2025