From creating lush, vibrant gardens to getting everyone active, reducing isolation, to supporting those in need, we are incredibly proud to unveil the inspiring winners of our Resident Hero Awards, who have each gone the extra mile to make their community a better place.
As part of Clarion’s 125th anniversary celebrations, we asked you to nominate your Resident Hero - someone who goes above and beyond to support others, who brings people together, and sparks positive change.
We were overwhelmed by the response, with powerful stories and inspiring achievements that set our judging panel a real challenge. However, after much deliberation, our five shining stars emerged, and we are delighted to introduce them to you.
Celebrating our Resident Heroes - the highlights
Viv
Keen gardener Viv helped to transform an overgrown communal garden into a thriving space, where neighbours can gather and connect. Viv had a vision, and through sheer hard work she made it a reality by digging, planting, and rallying the donation of tools, seeds, and even a shed.
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.”
Her community spirit has also led her to work with the council to improve recycling and cleanliness.
Dorinda
For 25 years, Dorinda has been the beating heart of the Sutton Estate. She has helped build relationships by organising inclusive events - from VE Day to Halloween - and ensures her vulnerable neighbours are looked after by linking them with local services and opportunities.
In addition to supporting local charities, she helps the local food bank and during the pandemic, Dorinda delivered food and care to those in need. She also founded the beloved Sunken Garden, now a vibrant community space.
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.
Working with Intergenerational Music Makers, he has helped expand the project from his patch in Hackey to Islington. Every week, Riff runs two chair-based movement sessions and organises community celebrations.
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
An inspiring community leader, Shahena has journeyed from volunteer to artist in residence. She introduced a Games Night to bring families together, helping them connect through play and technology.
Shahena volunteered with St Margaret’s House, a community arts and wellbeing centre, where her dedication earned her an Artists Residency - launched with a joyful 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
Passionate about the environment, Ann Theresa has transformed her estate through green innovation. Since 2022, she has introduced composting and green waste projects and formed a resident-led Green Waste Steering Group.
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.”
Each of our Resident Heroes has shown exceptional commitment to making a positive difference, bringing energy, passion, pride, and a love for their community. To recognise their achievement, we presented our champions with a trophy, certificate, and gift voucher.
We know that there are hundreds more extraordinary people in our communities who go above and beyond to make a positive impact every day - thank you.
Reflecting on our momentous year
This year, we have marked our milestone with projects that celebrate our communities and invest in the future - from launching the William Sutton Prize Scholarships in Architecture and Sustainability to sharing inspiring community stories. We have supported new creatives through our filmmaking programme and helped turn bright ideas into reality with the Making a Difference Fund. Learn more by visiting our dedicated anniversary website.
Want to make a difference, too? Explore how you can get involved.