Twenty five people and organisations, who selflessly work to make Solihull a great place to live, have been presented with Solihull Civic Honours Awards 2026.
The awards are an annual spotlight on the wonderful people who go the extra mile in keeping our communities strong with kindness and compassion. Solihull residents were able to nominate an individual or group for their hard work in the community at the end of last year.
The Mayor. Cllr Annette Mackenzie, presented certificates in a ceremony at The Core Theatre for nine different award categories.
In congratulating the recipients, the Mayor said: “Behind every award is a story of kindness, resilience and positive impact. I am sure you will join me in recognising and celebrating the exceptional achievements of this year’s Civic Honours Award recipients.”
The Solihull Civic Honours Awards 2026 in full:
Breaking Down Barriers Award - this award recognises work to remove obstacles and create opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity, equality and social mobility.
Winner: Brama Trust
Highly Commended: Experts by Experience and iHere.
Community Innovation Award - this award recognises individuals, groups or organisations who have pioneered innovative ideas or approaches that create meaningful improvements for our communities.
Winner: Kieron De Costa Bell
Highly Commended: We Care UK and Martyn Compton, Solihull Lodge Community Association.
Community Parenting Award – this award celebrates the contribution of organisations that support care-experienced children and young people. This includes fostering programmes, services for care leavers and mentoring schemes.
Winner: Shine (Sir Josiah Mason Trust)
Highly Commended: Shared Lives Solihull and Serenity Specialist Care.
Good Neighbour Award – this award recognises individuals who make their neighbourhood a better place to live. Their contributions, from community involvement to invaluable support help create a stronger, more connected community.
Winner: Paul Martin Beades
Highly Commended: Graham Frost.
Health and Wellbeing Award - this award recognises groups, or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to improving physical or mental health within their communities.
Winner Lily Mae Foundation
Highly Commended Winnr Sport and Gateway Family Services.
Small Community or Charity Group of the Year Award - this award celebrates local community groups and local charities that have made a significant impact within their communities over the last 12 months.
Winner: Solihull Lodge Community Association
Highly Commended: Cameron Grant Memorial Trust and Safe Space Solihull SEN Support Group.
VCFSE Organisational Leadership Award - this award recognises an outstanding paid or unpaid leader within the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strengthened their organisation and made a lasting impact in their community.
Winner Katie Washbourne (Ordinary Magic)
Highly Commended Linda Colton (St. John Ambulance) and Olga Meglinskaya (Brama Trust).
Volunteer Contribution Award: this award is recognition to individuals who have made a significant and positive difference through their volunteer efforts. It celebrates dedication, commitment and meaningful contributions that have improved communities, organisations, or causes.
Winner : David Gamble
Highly Commended: Sally Warren, Stephen Yeomans and Sally Shehata.
Mayor’s Award: in honour of someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the lives of people of the borough, or who has raised the profile of Solihull regionally, nationally or internationally. This special recognition is selected personally by the Mayor, and this year is awarded posthumously to Dave Dunkley and Paul Hughes.
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