Organised by the wonderful team at Community Southwark, the evening brought together some of the most inspiring individuals and organisations working to uplift, empower, and support people across Southwark. Held at Glaziers Hall, the event was filled with live performances, powerful stories, and heartfelt tributes to the people behind the borough’s thriving voluntary and community sector.
For us, the recognition was especially meaningful. Breathe has called Southwark home for over 13 years—starting with just one staff member working from a single hot-desk on Bermondsey Street, to now delivering a wide-ranging portfolio of arts-and-health programmes from our creative hub in Elephant and Castle. Southwark has been the backdrop to so many of our milestones, collaborations, and the incredible stories of healing we’ve witnessed through music, magic, dance, poetry, performance and visual arts.
Winning this award is not just a recognition of our work—it’s a celebration of all the people who make it possible: our brilliant team, partners, artists, clinicians, supporters, and of course, the participants who bring our programmes to life.
The night itself was full of joyful moments. From a dazzling opening by Bolivian dance troupe Tinkus PUROS Filial Londres, to soulful music from Maurice ONEJAH, and a stirring poem from host Suley Muhidin, the atmosphere was electric with community spirit.
We were honoured to meet the Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Sunny Lambe, who reminded us that “Southwark people have the power to make a difference”—words that deeply resonate with our mission.