Dangoor Awards honour 80+ faith projects as London leaders hail community resilience

More than 80 faith-based and community initiatives were recognised this week at the 2025 London Dangoor Awards, as civic leaders praised the “everyday heroes” working to strengthen cohesion across the capital during a period of heightened tension and rising hate crime.

Several Jewish community representatives attended the ceremony, which has become a significant moment in London’s interfaith calendar and is named in honour of philanthropist David Dangoor CBE, a long-time supporter of Jewish and cross-communal causes.

The event, held for the ninth year at the Royal Society of Medicine, brought together hundreds of organisations and volunteers whose grassroots projects support vulnerable communities across the city. Organised by the Faith & Belief Forum and supported by the Greater London Lieutenancy, the awards celebrated 42 winning projects, 36 recognised initiatives and six outstanding individuals, with each winning group receiving a £500 grant to continue their work.

London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, delivered the keynote address and spoke of her longstanding connection to the awards. “It feels like coming back home, being here again for the Dangoor Awards – the very first event I was asked to address when I became Deputy Mayor,” she told attendees. “These awards give us the chance to recognise and celebrate the selfless work happening across our city every single day… All of you in this room give people hope for the future – especially those who feel excluded or uncertain.”

Her remarks come as London continues to face sharp rises in antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents since the Israel-Gaza war began last year. Interfaith organisations, including many with strong ties to the Jewish community, have warned that grassroots collaboration is essential to maintaining public confidence and community safety.

This year’s ceremony showcased a wide range of social-impact work, from environmental wellbeing programmes in West London to pastoral support for rail passengers and specialist initiatives supporting survivors of modern slavery. Matthew Gold, who coordinates the awards for the Faith & Belief Forum, said the event “remains a powerful reminder of the immense contributions faith and belief communities make to our society, especially during challenging times.”

Carrie Alderton, the charity’s CEO, added that the achievements on display “demonstrate the enduring power of community spirit in London” and urged policymakers to continue supporting London’s faith-led social infrastructure.

The full list of winners is available via the Faith & Belief Forum.