Kingston Council, Kingston Voluntary Action, and local voluntary organisations organised an amazing event at All Saints Church on Thursday 26th June, where local charities and individuals came together to recognise the people making a difference in the borough.

Our ESOL Manager Elena and CEO Sohail represented LEAH, hosting one of seven community stalls at the event. People visited our stall to learn more about LEAH’s work in supporting adults with English language learning through volunteering. The evening was a lively and multicultural celebration, with music, food, and plenty of community connection.

The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, made a special stop at the LEAH stall, engaging with us and taking an interest in the charity’s impact.

Adding to the excitement of the evening, our volunteer Jane Simmons was nominated for the ‘unsung hero’ award. While the award ultimately went to another deserving nominee, LEAH was proud to see Jane’s dedication and contribution recognised.

Elena said about the event:

“It was such a lovely evening. We had great conversations with people from all over Kingston, and it was a wonderful opportunity to share what LEAH does. Seeing Jane nominated was a proud moment for all of us.”

The event served as a powerful reminder of the vibrant community spirit across Kingston and the continued importance of charities organisations like LEAH in building a more inclusive borough.