On Thursday 27 February, we hosted our first ever Hampshire Changemakers Awards ceremony celebrating the remarkable contributions made by individuals, organisations, and businesses towards creating a positive impact within the community. These awards recognised outstanding efforts and achievements across various categories.
It was an honour to meet and learn more about the winners of each category. Their contributions were truly inspiring and we found it humbling to hear the amazing stories they shared with the audience.
So, without further ado, here are our winners…
Volunteer of the Year – Winner: Michael Inkpen – Open Sight
When Michael Inkpen’s wife was diagnosed with a visual impairment, he joined Open Sight’s Fareham social club to support her. Even after her passing, he remained – dedicating over 20 years to helping others. At 93, Michael has only just stepped down from leading the club, where he organized trips, activities, and support for more than 20 blind and visually impaired individuals. He built a formidable team of volunteers, arranged transport, and even revived the Stubbington club when it was at risk of closing. Michael’s kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact. He is, without a doubt, a star that will always shine bright.
Community Project of the Year – Winner: Southampton City Farm
Southampton City Farm is more than just a farm, it’s a lifeline for the community. Home to over 50 rescued animals, it thrives through the dedication of volunteers, young people, and individuals with learning disabilities. In the wake of COVID-19, the farm reinvented itself to meet growing community needs, expanding youth activities, mental well-being support, and free accessible sessions. With a new education, youth, and community programme, shaped by those who benefit most – the impact has been remarkable. Attendance has tripled in two years, growing from 18 weekly sessions to over 55, all designed to teach life skills, boost employability, and enhance well-being. With a stronger SEND offering, the farm now welcomes people of all abilities, ensuring everyone can experience the joy of caring for its rescued animals.
Youth Award – Winner: Yellow Door – Star Project
Yellow Door’s STAR Project runs the “Peer Heroes Project,” where young men learn about the impact of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and how to prevent it. They explored myths, stereotypes, and toxic masculinity, then created a poster campaign to raise awareness. After feedback from female students, they improved the posters to focus more on school life and prevention. The boys reported a greater understanding of VAWG and felt confident intervening if they witnessed harassment or violence, leaving with the tools to promote respect and challenge harmful behaviours. This impactful work has earnt them the Youth Award, recognising their dedication to creating positive change.
Charity Champion: Dr Hugh Bethell – Cardiac Rehab
For nearly 50 years, Dr. Hugh Bethell has championed heart health. In 1976, he founded Cardiac Rehab, starting with a few patients at Alton Sports Centre. Within two years, the NHS was referring patients, and by 1997, his fundraising efforts led to the opening of the Alton-based Cardiac Rehab Centre. Now a vital resource across East and North Hampshire and the Surrey border, the Centre offers programs for heart health, frailty, respiratory issues, cancer recovery, and pre-surgery fitness. Patients can self-refer or be referred by a health professional. And this is why he has been awarded Charity Champion.
Environmental Sustainability: Winner Ellie Banks – Hampshire Hedge Project
Ellie has been the driving force behind the Hampshire Hedge project for CPRE Hampshire, inspiring countless people with her passion for hedgerows. She has worked with schools, scout groups, college students, and volunteers to plant and manage hedgerows across the county. Last year alone, her team planted over 5km of new hedgerows, with even more projects and partners joining this year. Beyond planting, Ellie raises awareness through talks, school assemblies, and community events, highlighting the vital role hedgerows play in supporting local wildlife. Her dedication and enthusiasm make her a truly deserving winner of this award.
ESG Business Excellence: Winner Marwell
Marwell is dedicated to sustainability, embedding eco-friendly practices across all aspects of its operations. As a leading conservation organisation, it pioneers innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact, from ethical sourcing to waste reduction and carbon reduction initiatives. Marwell Zoo is the first of its kind to generate renewable energy from animal waste, using biomass technology to heat key buildings. The organization champions a circular economy, striving for zero waste while actively reducing carbon emissions. Through partnerships with businesses and communities, Marwell promotes sustainable solutions both locally and globally, ensuring its impact extends far beyond the zoo. With sustainability at its core, Marwell exemplifies conservation-driven environmental leadership, making it a deserving recipient of this ESG award.
Wellbeing Champion – Winner: Marie Greenhalgh – Inclusion Education
Inclusion Education is more than a place of learning – it is a community where every young person, regardless of their challenges, is supported and empowered to thrive. With a strong focus on mental health and well-being, Inclusion Education prioritises resilience, confidence, and personal growth alongside academic success. The organisation believes that when staff are supported and valued, students benefit, creating a positive environment for all. Through The Inclusion School, Inclusion College, Inclusion EB8, and Project Iris: Growing Hope, Inclusion Education is breaking barriers and fostering a future where every young person has the opportunity to succeed. True inclusion means no one is left behind.
Inclusive Equity and Diversity – Winner 1: Veronica Gordon – Our Version Media
Veronica Gordon saw a problem: the British media’s portrayal of Black communities was riddled with harmful stereotypes. With over 20 years as a journalist at ITV and BBC, she knew the power of storytelling – and who was being left out. In 2019, she founded Our Version Media to change that. Her mission was clear: empower Black communities to tell their own stories. Through workshops, mentorship, and media training, she gave people the skills and confidence to reclaim their narratives. But Veronica’s impact didn’t stop there. She challenged systemic inequalities, worked with journalists to improve representation, and sparked real change in how Black stories were told. A bold and tireless advocate, Veronica is proof that authentic storytelling can shift perspectives, break barriers, and inspire lasting change.
Inclusive Equity and Diversity – Winner 2: Lisa Hollyhead – Sight for Wight
Imagine waking up to complete darkness – no shapes, no colours, just nothing. For some, this is reality. Sight for Wight, led by their Deafblind CEO, is dedicated to empowering blind and partially sighted people to live safely, confidently, and independently. Understanding the needs of their community is at the heart of their work. Twice a year, the charity personally calls all 732 members, asking what services they use, what’s missing, and what one thing could improve their lives. These conversations shape their initiatives. One of their most impactful innovations is the Hello Everyone QR Codes, designed by blind people, for blind people. These codes provide audio descriptions of building entrances, offering clear guidance on where to go and how to find assistance.
Now adopted by dozens of venues, including all regional police stations, they are revolutionizing accessibility. Their advocacy efforts have also led to significant changes: Persuaded Tesco to change packaging colours for better visibility Doubled non-compliant parking fines for BERYL e-scooters/e-bikes Secured free directory enquiries for blind Islanders with WightFibre Designed the Hampshire Police Visual Impairment Protocol. As a result, Sight for Wight now engages with members 581 times per week, more than doubling from 261 in 2020. By listening and acting, they are transforming lives and creating a more inclusive world.
Innovation in Community Partnership and Development – Winner: Rebooting Democracy Project
Helen Coleman, Prof. Mary Barker, and Prof. Matt Ryan, alongside their teams at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board and the University of Southampton, launched the MOTH Rebooting Democracy project to give young people a real say in health and social care. Recruiting 15 young people (aged 14-18) from across the region, the project equipped them with research and policy skills to tackle the issues that mattered most to them. Working directly with the Integrated Care Partnership, they developed recommendations to improve youth health and care services. Their efforts culminated in a high-impact event where they presented their findings and collaborated with system leaders to turn ideas into action. Today, their recommendations are shaping local health policies, proving that youth voices can drive real change. Thanks to this partnership, young people are now at the heart of decision-making -empowered, informed, and ready to lead the future of health and care.
The Changemaker of the Year – Winner: Clare Canning – Broadleaf
Clare Canning never set out to be a hero, but for countless home-educating families, that’s exactly what she is. he saw more than just a need for lessons, she saw families struggling in isolation, children missing opportunities, and parents unsure where to turn. Determined to change that, she brought together a team of dedicated volunteers to create a safe, inclusive, and vibrant learning community through Broadleaf, where every child, no matter their background, could thrive. Clare and her volunteers work tirelessly, full-time, and without pay. They don’t do it for recognition; they do it because they believe in the children, in their right to learn, grow, and be part of something special. But their impact deserves to be celebrated.
