The Winners of VAL Awards 2025 – Image by Nathan O’Brien
The milestone event brought together 280 guests to celebrate the city and county’s most inspiring individuals, groups, and organisations in the voluntary and charity sectors.
This year’s awards were extra special as VAL marked its 60th anniversary of supporting communities across Leicester and Leicestershire. Proudly sponsored by Hastings Direct (for the second year), the evening was filled with powerful stories, heartfelt thanks, and well-deserved recognition.
City Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Springfields Advisory LLP
Wesley Hall Community Centre
County Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Rowleys
Loughborough Wellbeing Centre
Social Enterprise of the Year – Sponsored by University of Leicester School of Business
The Vayyu Foundation
Volunteer Led Organisation of the Year – Sponsored by Meesh Consulting – see bio below
Saffron Acres Project
Youth Organisation of the Year – Mindera UK Foundation
FOCUS Charity
Trustee of the Year – Sponsored by ER Recruitment – see bio below
Jay Webb, The Bridge East Midlands
Fundraiser of the Year – Sponsored by Champions – see bio below
Liam Hopkins, LLR MIND
Charity and Business Partnership – Sponsored by PPL/PRS
Falcon Support Services and BOAL
Kathryn Burgess Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by Knights
Dorothy Tomlinson, Hope Against Cancer
Inspiring Leader of the Year – Sponsored by VOIDS
Donna Hodges, Bodie Hodges Foundation
Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Hastings Direct
Saffron Acres Project
Kevan Liles Recognition Award – see bio below
Christina Wigmore
Kevin Allen-Khimani, Chief Executive of VAL, said:
“The winners of this year’s VAL Awards have shown remarkable commitment, compassion, and creativity in supporting communities across Leicester and Leicestershire. In our 60th year — and the fifth year of these Awards — it’s a real privilege to spotlight their achievements and celebrate the lasting, genuine impact they’re making in people’s lives.”
He continued:
“This year’s awards felt like a real turning point — an unforgettable night where we firmly placed the VAL Awards on the map as a key date in Leicester and Leicestershire’s awards calendar. With 280 people in the room — our biggest audience yet — there was a true sense of warmth and pride for everything our finalists do to support and uplift local communities.
We heard so many heartwarming stories, from people motivated to make a difference where they live, to those who give their time to help others despite facing their own challenges. What stood out most was the clear desire from local businesses to connect with, support, and champion the VCSE sector. The energy in the room showed the power of collaboration — and just how much can be achieved when we work together for the greater good.”
The VAL Awards, established in 2019, have grown to become one of the region’s most anticipated celebrations of community spirit. This year’s ceremony not only recognised outstanding contributions but also reflected on six decades of VAL’s dedication to supporting the voluntary sector.
VAL extends sincere thanks to its headline sponsor, Hastings Direct, and to all award sponsors and partners: Lumbers, Springfields Advisory Ltd, Rowleys, University of Leicester School of Business, Meesh Consulting, PPL PRS, Mindera UK Foundation, Knights Plc, Voids Limited, Champions UK Plc, ER Recruitment, Business 2 Business, Barclays Eagle Labs, Paragon Sales Solutions, FU Media, Gambit Insurance Solutions, Platinum Production and Abacus Flooring Solutions.
For more information about the VAL Awards, visit https://valonline.org.uk/valawards or email valawards@valonline.org.uk