Finalists revealed for 2025 VAL Awards in landmark 60th year
Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) has revealed the finalists for the 2025 VAL Awards, celebrating the city and county’s most inspiring individuals, groups, and organisations in the voluntary and charity sectors.
The glittering awards ceremony – taking place on Friday 3 October 2025 at the Grand Hotel, Leicester – will be an extra-special event as VAL marks its 60th anniversary of supporting communities across Leicester and Leicestershire. Proudly sponsored by Hastings Direct, this milestone year promises a night of stories, thanks, and celebration.
Kevin Allen-Khimani, CEO at VAL, said:
“The calibre of nominations this year has been outstanding. In our 60th year, it’s an honour to showcase the commitment, compassion, and creativity of those making a difference in Leicester and Leicestershire. Every finalist represents the very best of our community.”
Winners will be announced live at the ceremony.
2025 VAL Awards Shortlist
City Charity of the Year – sponsored by Springfields Advisory Ltd
Wesley Hall Community Centre
Bamboozle Theatre
Charity Link
The Peepul Centre
County Charity of the Year – sponsored by Rowleys
Loughborough Wellbeing Centre
Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre
The Bridge East Midlands
Together Against Cancer
Social Enterprise of the Year – sponsored by University of Leicester School of Business
Allexton Community Nursery CIC
Cosmopolitan Arts
Harmless CIC
The Vayyu Foundation
Volunteer-Led Organisation of the Year – sponsored by Meesh Consulting
Saffron Acres Project
Darts for All
Coalville Public Radio
Toys on the Table
Charnwood Forest Geopark
Charity & Business Partnership of the Year – sponsored by PPL PRS
Falcon Support Services & BOAL
Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL) & Market Harborough Building Society
Bodie Hodges Foundation & Juice Creative & ER Recruitment
Youth Charity of the Year – sponsored by Mindera UK Foundation
Young Leicestershire
AAA Foundation
Soft Touch Arts
FOCUS
Inspire Young People & Families CIC
Kathryn Burgess Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Knights Plc
Dr. Sonal Bhavsar
Jane Theobald
Jane Christie
Dawn Williams
Dorothy Tomlinson
Denis Walsh
Inspiring Leader of the Year – sponsored by Voids Limited
Dr. Abeer Kholghi
Donna Elliott
Donna Hodges
Meena Kumari
Rebecca Middleton
Fundraiser of the Year – sponsored by Champions UK Plc
Dhiru Shah
Liam Hopkins
Phil Johnson
Mark Carr’s Leicester Legacy (Annabel Carr)
Trustee of the Year – sponsored by ER Recruitment
Penny March – One Roof Leicester
Mike Candler – The Spark Arts
David Pollard – Park Lodge Project
Jay Webb – The Bridge East Midlands
Janette Shepherd – Bright Hope NWL
Overall Charity of the Year – sponsored by Hastings Direct
(Winner to be announced on the night)
The Kevan Liles Recognition Award – sponsored by Voluntary Action LeicesterShire
(Winner to be announced on the night)
The VAL Awards, established in 2019, have grown to become one of the region’s most anticipated celebrations of community spirit. This year’s event will not only recognise outstanding contributions but also reflect on six decades of VAL’s dedication to supporting the voluntary sector.
VAL would like to say a huge thank you to headline sponsor, Hastings Direct, and to all of the award sponsors and partners: Lumbers, Springfields Advisory Ltd, Rowleys, University of Leicester School of Business, Meesh Consulting, PL PRS, Mindera UK Foundation, Knights Plc, Voids Limited, Champions UK Plc, ER Recruitment, Business 2 Business, Barclays Eagle Labs, Paragon Sales Solutions, FU Media, Gambit Insurance Solutions, Platinum Production and Abacus Flooring Solutions.