Swindon celebrates community champions at Pride of Swindon Awards

Usually bi-annually, the awards celebrate individuals and teams who make a positive difference to people and neighbourhoods across Swindon. This year’s celebration brought together nominees, volunteers and supporters to recognise the many people helping to strengthen communities across the town.

A total of 140 nominations were submitted for the 2026 awards, reflecting the wide range of individuals and organisations working to support others across Swindon.

From these nominations, 18 individuals and 12 teams were recognised for their outstanding contributions at a special afternoon celebration held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon.

Among those recognised was Jordan Turner, who set up the community interest company ChangeLivesNoToKnives after losing her brother to knife crime. The organisation now works with people of all ages to raise awareness about the dangers of knife crime and educate communities about how bleed kits can help save lives in an emergency.

Jane Richards was also honoured for her work supporting people experiencing homelessness and food poverty through the charity Alternative Angels. What began as a small soup kitchen has grown into a volunteer-led initiative supported by more than 30 volunteers providing hot food and support for residents in need.

Live Well Swindon was also recognised with an award for its volunteers helping residents improve their health and wellbeing. The programme works with local communities and partner organisations to connect people with advice, activities and practical support that help residents live healthier and more independent lives.

A posthumous award was also presented to the family of renowned Swindon artist and muralist Ken White, who died on Christmas Eve 2025. Ken helped put Swindon on the cultural map through his distinctive public artworks and murals, many of which can still be seen across the town today. The award was accepted by his three children in recognition of his lasting contribution to Swindon’s cultural life and community identity.

The Pride of Swindon Awards were first launched in 2008 and last held in 2022. Originally inspired through a partnership between Shirley Ludford, SWINDON 105.5 community radio, the Mayor’s office, the then editor of the Swindon Advertiser and the late Tony Martin from the Zurich Community Trust, the awards are a borough-wide celebration of community spirit.

The Awards this year were organised in partnership by SWINDON 105.5, Voluntary Action Swindon and Swindon Borough Council, with support from sponsors this year GLL and First City Nursing Care. Four separate grants were awarded on the day by Zurich Community Trust to four of Award recipients.

As part of the awards’ tradition, the names of this year’s winners will be engraved on a commemorative plaque displayed at Swindon Central Library, joining previous winners who have been recognised for their contributions to the town.

The Pride of Swindon Awards remain a community-led celebration that shines a spotlight on the people who quietly make a difference across Swindon every day.

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “The Pride of Swindon Awards recognise the people who make our communities stronger through their kindness, dedication and willingness to help others.

“The 140 nominations received this year show just how many individuals and groups are quietly making a difference across Swindon every day.

“It was a privilege to celebrate the achievements of this year’s winners and finalists and to thank them for the important contribution they make to our town.”

Shirley Ludford, Station Manager with SWINDON 105.5, said “The ethos of these awards continues to be an initiative supported by Swindon-wide organisations, not run by only one business.

“They profile services and dedication that take place often without wider awareness. A strength of our town is its community spirit and this is an opportunity to profile and widen that awareness, helping shout about a key area that makes Swindon a positive place to live. 

“The pride felt by award recipients is tangible and all those receiving recognition are also representative of the many groups and individuals who day by day make a difference in their own way.”

Pam Webb from Voluntary Action Swindon said: “Voluntary Action Swindon is proud to be a partner in the Pride of Swindon Awards and I am always humbled every year, when we receive all the nominations, to see the incredible community spirit across Swindon and the many groups and individuals helping to make our community a better place every day.

“I’d like to thank our team of volunteer judges who had an incredibly difficult job this year.”