Pauline Mallinson

Pauline dedicates a huge amount of time to voluntarily supporting a number of community initiatives in Mid Sussex. She runs Share Haywards Heath, a library of things, which enables residents to borrow items instead of having to buy them. Pauline is also a volunteer Waste Prevention Advisor for West Sussex County Council, inspiring residents to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. In addition, Pauline volunteers with the local Scouts, at the Lindfield Repair Café and at Care in Haywards Heath, giving practical help to the elderly. Her efforts help households to save money, reduce emissions, tackle climate change, and grow a strong community. Her voluntary work has had a significant social and environmental impact on the local community.

Wendy Kingcome

Wendy set up the Mustard Seed Community Café in Burgess Hill nine years ago, when she retired, and has managed it ever since. When the café had to close during Covid, Wendy worked hard to reopen it as soon as she could, even though this meant almost starting again from scratch. Wendy’s commitment and passion for the café means it has become a place of sanctuary for many, including the elderly, isolated and vulnerable. She dedicates extra hours to support the local community with free family events at the café and organises lunches for the Young Carers Group. Wendy really cares about all the volunteers who help at the café. When Wendy steps down from managing the café this summer, she will be deeply missed by everyone.

Julia Rye

Julia set up Respect Youth Club, on the Sheddingdean Estate in Burgess Hill, 17 years ago with council and neighbourhood group support. She has continued to run the club since then. The facility offers a safe place for young people to meet, enjoy crafts, be creative, play games and enjoy events organised throughout the year. Her longevity running the club means that she is now seeing original members bringing their children along to benefit from the facilities. Over the years, Julia has had to overcome various hurdles including the loss of the club’s first meeting place, but she has done so because of her huge commitment to the community.

Xavi Barugh

Twelve-year-old Xavi is a remarkable young man and has already overcome many challenges in his life. He watched a video about saving elephants that made him determined to make a difference. He used this newfound interest to help him overcome some of the challenges he faces, and as he has settled into Woodlands Meed School, his confidence has grown beyond measure. To help raise money to save elephants, he completed a 50km walk and designed and sold wrist bands to support the challenge. People from all over the world gave their backing as he documented his success on social media. He has raised awareness of the work carried out by Wildlife SOS, and has even attracted the attention of National Geographic, who asked him to become one of the Youth Ambassadors. He has organised a ‘Wear Grey for Ellies’ Day at school and designed information packs to raise awareness about the plight of elephants with his peers. Xavi continues to plan more ways to raise awareness and fundraise and is an inspiration with his determination and enthusiasm.

The Woolpack

The Woolpack pub in Burgess Hill is at the centre of the community and well known for its charity work. Independently owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Dee Allen and Lance Nuttall, the pub hosts regular fundraiser quizzes for different local charities that raise up to £15,000 every year. The pub also organises a charity dog show and the Woolpacker Ladies group holds coffee mornings with funds raised for charities including the British Heart Foundation and Kent and Sussex Air Ambulance. In addition, the only women’s over 30’s football team in Burgess Hill is sponsored by The Woolpack. Lance and Dee also host Auction of Promises for the Sussex Harmonisers and live music performances by the Tiger Five Quartet for their chosen charity.

Ariel Community Theatre: Othellos Buddies

The Othellos Buddies are a very special group of 11–18-year-olds who volunteer their time every week to support over 150 students with a range of complex special educational needs at Ariel Drama Academies across Sussex. The SEN drama group, known as the Othellos, rely on the volunteering of these buddies to ensure that the students can access, take part, and enjoy their drama, dance, and music lessons. Some of the needs and behaviours of these students can be challenging but the buddies show resilience, compassion, and dedication which, in turn, has a remarkable impact on these young people. By giving up their free time every week, the buddies not only improve the confidence of those taking part but also their opportunities in life.

Kat Crisp

Kat founded Social Innovation for All which is a founding partner, and delivers, the Young Green Briton Challenge (YGBC), a national platform to nurture, support and celebrate youth-led, schoolbased climate action. At Woodlands Meed School, Key Stage 5 classes are all taking part in YGBC through citizenship lessons. Kat has brought in numerous volunteers to deliver a design workshop and provided resources for teachers to deliver the lessons. The Challenge empowers students to create local climate action projects, fostering the development of transferable green skills. In the two years of piloting, the scheme Social Innovation for All has worked with over 6,000 students in 23 diverse schools.

Lisa McNamara

As manager of The Old Dunnings Mill in East Grinstead, Lisa McNamara champions many community events. These include Mamma’s Dance Nights, free musical extravaganzas over bank holiday weekends that raise funds for local charities, a popular quiz night that raises money for a monthly get-together for isolated elderly residents and a Christmas dinner for vulnerable residents. This year, with the support of the Town Council, Lisa has set up a youth club, which is already oversubscribed. Lisa demonstrates an unparalleled commitment to support the local community with good humour and dedication.

Lynda Cook

Lynda has dedicated 35 years to leading a Brownie unit, shaping the lives of countless young girls with her unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership. Her influence has extended far beyond the weekly meetings as she has provided a safe, inspiring space where girls develop confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills. She has organised countless trips, camps and fundraising events, and her ability to adapt and evolve with changing times has kept Brownies relevant and exciting for today’s young people. Her impact is not just felt by the girls she has led but also by the volunteers she has supported and inspired. Her mentorship has empowered generations of girls, many of whom have gone on to become leaders themselves.