Healthwatch Reading recognised at Grassroots Community Awards

Healthwatch Reading

2 days ago

2 min read

It was another inspiring evening at this year's Utulivu Women's Group Grassroots Community Awards 2026, held on Thursday 29 October at Reading Council Chambers as part of Black History Month celebrations.

The event brought together local leaders, community groups and voluntary organisations, including the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Paul Gittings, former Mayor Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles and Julian Emms, CEO of Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BHFT), to celebrate the outstanding contributions of grassroots organisations across Reading.

The theme of this year's awards, Honouring Our Communities, recognised the dedication of individuals, volunteers and grassroots organisations whose efforts help support local people, reduce inequalities and bring communities together.

We were delighted to be recognised at the awards, with Healthwatch Reading and Healthwatch Wokingham Borough jointly receiving the Bringing Communities Together Award. The award recognises our work to build strong partnerships between residents, communities, community organisations, councils, NHS trusts and decision-makers, helping to ensure that people's voices are heard and used to improve health and social care services.

We were also thrilled to see our volunteer Durga receive the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her dedication to connecting Healthwatch Reading with the Nepalese community and the British Forgotten Gurkhas. Through her commitment and hard work, she has helped strengthen relationships, encourage people to share their experiences and ensure more voices are heard.

We'd like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who nominated and supported us. This recognition reflects the efforts of our staff, volunteers, partners and the communities we work alongside every day.

Congratulations to Durga and all the other winners and nominees, whose dedication helps make our communities stronger, more inclusive and more connected.

We would also like to thank Utulivu Women's Group for organising such an inspiring event and for celebrating the people and organisations making a difference across our local communities.