Celebrating our extraordinary Communities at the Community Matters Awards 2024

At PfP, we’re deeply committed to fostering thriving, inclusive, and sustainable Communities. As the UK’s leading social enterprise, we believe that every action, no matter how small, helps build stronger Communities and that those who play a part in this deserve to be recognised.  

That’s why each October, we gathered in York to honour the exceptional efforts of those who have made a real difference through our annual Community Matters Awards. This inspiring event is dedicated to celebrating the individuals who go above and beyond, working selflessly to create positive change.  

Imagine being as “ordinary” as this… 

• Taking out everyone’s bins and bringing them back in
• Turning an unloved communal outdoor space into a welcoming garden for all
• Saving three people from a fire, and then carrying on with your shift as though it was just another day
• Driving an elderly neighbour to their aqua aerobics classes every week
• Launching a youth project that grows into a city-wide movement
• Supporting a neighbour through a mental health crisis
• Changing a street full of strangers into a group of friends who look out for each other
• Adding fresh flowers to the entrance hall, polishing the door knobs, just to make sure everyone feels their home is cared for
• Volunteering time as a translator to help those in need 

In his speech, our CEO, Greg Reed, reminded us of the power of living in a supportive Community. He emphasised how these acts of kindness and courage create the foundations for resilient and compassionate Communities. 

These examples reflect the spirit of our award winners, ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Each one of the 37 people we celebrated considered themselves ordinary, but their stories tell us otherwise.