Community Awards 2025

“1st Sharnford Scout Group is an excellent place for young people to grow in confidence, skills, and character while enjoying the outdoors and making a positive contribution to their community. The group’s commitment to inclusivity, leadership development, and active engagement sets it apart as a valuable and enriching part of the Sharnford community.
 
The group has been running for two years and meets two nights a week as well as regular camping trips. I am very grateful for Liam and other leaders to pick out our small village for scouts. The leaders go above and beyond to ensure the children have a variety of experiences to offer important life skills which they thoroughly enjoy. It is a group that is committed to providing opportunities for all children including children who have challenges. They have also recently created a second Squirrels group (aged 4 – 6 years) as they recognised the need. They are happy to give up their own time to accommodate children rather than create a waiting list.  

I am thankful to all the volunteers for taking so much time out of their busy schedules to make time for our children, who would usually be left out of groups because of our remote location. Some of the leaders also volunteer at Hinckley Scouts groups.  

1st Sharnford Scouts closed over 20 years ago. We are proud to have this group back and feel it is such a positive thing for people in the village as it contributes to the village having a sense of identity.” 

“They offer young people a chance to come together and have fun. Whilst enjoying themselves and learning team building skills, they also get to do many other things: first aid, map reading, sewing, many basic life skills. They also get to have lots of outdoor experiences such as hiking and camping. A great place to make new friends.” 

“My son joined 1st Sharnford Scout Group when it first opened in 2024 as a Beaver and has now moved up to Cubs. He attends weekly group meetings and regular cub camps which he thoroughly enjoys. The group leaders and volunteers work tirelessly to provide so much for young children, supporting them with the development of core life skills and behaviours. This ranges from helping children to learn cooking through to making campfires and sleeping outdoors. The group provides a safe environment for children to learn and grow, building their confidence in lots of activities. This is a wonderful group that definitely deserves recognition.” 

“Without this vital club the children would miss out on many opportunities.” 

“They are fully committed to supporting the children in Sharnford and other local areas to learn new skills and improve confidence. Before this my child was on long waiting lists for groups in other areas.” 

The Alzheimer's Society’s Singing for the Brain group meets in Blaby three times a month. The group is hosted by friendly and experienced group leaders and is a chance to meet new people in a friendly, fun and social environment. Singing improves brain activity, wellbeing and mood, and you don’t need to be a good singer to benefit. As well as helping people with dementia to remember past times through music and song, other activities include dancing, exercise, chatting and information on other topics such as keeping warm/heating and fire safety.

“My Dad has got Alzheimer’s and we took him to this group that runs on a Wednesday in Blaby and they are so helpful and now my dad is always asking if he is going to the singing club… I have never been to a group that makes you feel so welcome and it makes my dad so happy. They don't ask for any money to run the group. It would be so nice for them to win an award for all the hard work they put into this group." 

“Hayleigh is fantastic in her role as facilitator for the community group… She always goes the extra mile starting with welcoming members individually and remembering lots of relevant personal details. She arranges lots of interesting and relevant support sessions to run alongside the music sessions which not only support the clients but also their carers and support workers. Her kindness and enthusiasm are so appreciated." 

“It is the highlight of my husband’s week."

“I have noticed a difference in the people who attend this event; they are a friendly group and try to get everyone involved regardless of the dementia."
 
“Singing, companionship, support for people living with dementia… It provides a friendly and safe environment to meet other people with similar diagnoses and their carers. I am not sure who enjoys it more: me or my dad who suffers with Alzheimer’s. We have been attending for over a year now. Hayleigh, Kyle and the volunteers go ALL out to make EVERY session fun, entertaining, and memorable. Most importantly it gives dad and I quality time that we can enjoy together. Priceless!” 

“Brings people together with varying degrees of symptoms brought on by dementia. The music/singing seems to release joy when participating with others… my husband and myself, as his carer, have been enjoying this experience for several months now and it has made a positive difference to our lives."  

“It provides a wonderful chance for everyone struggling with dementia and carers to meet, chat and have a lovely afternoon singing and reminiscing. It makes everyone feel so much happier and is a real lifeline. Everyone is so friendly and helpful and always happy to talk over problems and point you in the right direction for help."

"I’d like to nominate the Blaby Drop-In Centre for Community Group of the Year because it truly is the heart of Blaby. It’s one of those places that quietly makes a huge difference to people’s lives. It is a warm, welcoming space where everyone is seen, heard and supported.
 
The Drop-In Centre offers far more than just a place to go. It offers comfort, connection and community. Anyone can walk through the door for a chat, a cuppa or simply some company, and they’ll always be greeted by volunteers who give their time and compassion freely.  The Centre helps people who might be lonely, struggling, or just needing a friendly face. It’s also home to activities and community events, and it hosts the Neighbourhood Mental Health Café, providing a safe space for people who need someone to talk to or some guidance.
 
It’s an inclusive place where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcomed with open arms. For many, it has become a lifeline.
 
The Blaby Drop-In Centre has been a part of the community for decades and has grown into a well-known, trusted hub. It opens its doors regularly throughout the week. A drop-in for older adults or those who may otherwise feel isolated: the Centre provides a meeting place and lunch session venue with the mental health café open on Thursday afternoons. People know they can rely on it being there, consistently and without judgment.
 
The volunteers are the heart of the Centre. They give not just their time, but their hearts and minds. Their kindness is genuine, and their care for others is clear in everything they do. The Centre has become a safe and comforting space for many. It is somewhere to turn to when life feels lonely or overwhelming.
 
It works in partnership with organisations like the NHS, showing how trusted and valued it is within the wider community. It brings people together, helps reduce isolation, and creates a sense of belonging which is something that can’t be measured, but is deeply felt by those who go there.
 
The Blaby Drop-In Centre represents everything a community group should be: caring, inclusive, dependable and run by people who simply want to make a difference. It changes lives in quiet, meaningful ways every single week. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly believe it deserves to be recognised as Community Group of the Year."

Blaby Mind Matters was set up in 2018, responding to identified needs within the local community. The group meets weekly on Thursday afternoons at Blaby and District Social Centre. The group supports individuals with mental health challenges, learning disabilities or physical disabilities. Through weekly meetings and activities - including Armchair Yoga, Singing for Wellbeing, pub lunches, and day trips – the group strives to reduce loneliness and enhance overall wellbeing.

“A huge, big thank you to all of the volunteers who have worked hard in the last 12 months to ensure the group continues to support all of its members.  We have a couple of singers who have come and sung for us: one does Singing for the Brain, and one does songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Also, we have a lady who does chair yoga exercise which is fun."

“Provides activities for mental and physical wellbeing. For example, trips, meals, buffets, exercise, crafting, art, quizzes, bingo, singing and dancing. A friendly and welcoming atmosphere with tea and biscuits where you can chat or listen to others who may struggle with everyday life. I have been taking my mum and her neighbour, who both have Alzheimer's, for a few weeks and I also look forward to going and seeing everyone."

COMMBUS is a local charity run entirely by volunteers to serve the elderly and anyone with a disability or limited mobility. COMMBUS offers passengers, who have difficulty with or who are unable to use public transport, personal independence to go shopping or on special trips at an affordable cost.

COMMBUS operates a dial-a-ride service five days a week within Blaby district picking up passengers from their own homes wherever possible to take them to local shopping centres, garden centres and towns such as Hinckley and Fosse Park. We also operate special trips to places further afield such as Market Harborough, Rugby-Elliot’s Fields, Foxton Locks and Melton Mowbray. 

“They help people in the community by taking them shopping and on special trips when their needs prevent them from using public transport or are physically unable to do so. Commbus also provides a great network system for making new friends and acquaintances."

Countesthorpe Scouts have had an incredible year of achievement and success, serving young people from Countesthorpe and the surrounding areas. After a prolonged period of growth across all Sections, plus opening two Squirrel Dreys in recent years, the Group has grown from 98 youth members in 2020 to 187 today; bigger than at any point since the Group began in 1961, but also now the biggest Scout Group in Leicestershire. In this time, they have also recruited significant numbers of adult volunteers, (there are no paid staff), meaning there are now 51 regular volunteers, from Trustees, to Section Leaders and admin or maintenance support behind the scenes. They are supported by various occasional helpers and 14 Young Leaders (age 14-18). In a time where many Scout Groups and other youth organisations are struggling for members and volunteers, Countesthorpe Scouts are absolutely thriving – building a friendly community that people across our local area want to join.

As well as weekly section meetings, most weekends one of the age groups will have an activity day, camp, trip or an event supporting others in the community; while the last four months of the year are dominated by our award winning annual Pantomime – always an original, full length show performed each Christmas at the Sue Townsend Theatre and a real highlight for a large number of our youth and adult members.

2025’s successes include the 2024 Panto winning the Youth Pantomime of the year award at the Pantomime Alliance of Leicestershire Awards; as well as winning in the Front of House, Lighting and Set Design, plus nominations in several other categories. Later in the year,  Scouts were winners in both the County Hiking Challenge, Rambling Fox and Borderhike – a competition in the Peak District which groups across the country compete in. All of these are incredible achievements that have come from many years of work and development from both young people and volunteers – testament to the Skills for Life delivered by the Group. 

The year has also seen 12 young people and one volunteer from the Group travel to Kandersteg International Scout Centre, Switzerland, for a once in a lifetime experience – meeting Scouts from all over the world, hiking in the Alps, white water rafting and more. This came after a year of fundraising and preparation from all involved – meaning lots of skills developed and experiences to remember.

With a Group Camp for over 120 young people, record funds raised at the Summer Gala and a parade through the village, work to support endangered hedgehogs, supporting The Next Chapter horse sanctuary, visits to local care homes and so much more, Countesthorpe Scouts have had a huge impact on their members and the local community beyond in 2025.

Croft Happy Circle is a lifeline for many elderly members, their friends and families in the village. It has been providing this service for many years and is deserving of recognition for the excellent and tireless work of its volunteers. Without this social group there would be many lonely and isolated people in the village.

The group was founded in 1958 to provide for the over 55s in the village, particularly anyone living alone, to meet socially with the aim of reducing any feelings of loneliness or isolation. The club has been successful over these many years due to its determined and dedicated volunteers, without whom it would not have been possible to maintain this much needed resource.

There are currently 52 members whose ages range from 68 – 92, with the majority in their 70s and 80s. Membership is open to anyone over the age of 55, but also to any others for whom membership would be mutually beneficial.

Fortnightly two-hour meetings have been held for the last 67 years, except for 2019/2020. The Commbus is arranged to take less mobile members to the meeting venue. Various activities are enjoyed, including games of bingo and prize raffles with afternoon tea served by volunteers. Outings are organised several times annually to various places of interest, either half-day or full-day trips, with lunch or afternoon tea often included. The year ends with Christmas Lunch at a local venue.

A small annual membership fee of £25 is charged, but most funding is found through grants from charitable sources, as well as the local authority when available. These applications involve a lot of time and effort on the part of the volunteer committee members, without whom the club would not have survived for the past 67 years.

Funds are also raised through participation in organised village events as well as from others held amongst members and supporters. A large raffle is held at the annual Christmas Lunch, the prizes for which are sourced from members, friends and supporters, with suitable donations requested from local businesses.

A group of members and supporters have formed a syndicate for the Love Blaby Lottery, which returns 50% of stakes to the club’s bank account.

As there is no village hall or dedicated community centre in the village, the club is restricted to hiring the school hall for fortnightly meetings. However, during school holidays there is no access, so meetings aren’t possible during those periods. To mitigate any detrimental effects from the loss of this socialisation, additional outings are organised during school closures.

Early this year, with a grant from Blaby District Council, together with the support of Croft Parish Council and volunteers, the club set up a Warm Space in the Croft Pavilion. This provided villagers and their children with a warm environment in which to socialise and ran for three days a week from January to March. Starting again in November, but for only one day a week, it will continue through to and including March 2026.

Ekojoe CIC is an eco-friendly community hub in Blaby. Their mission is to combine sustainable and affordable well-being for local people in order to inspire a more connected, supported, healthier and environmentally conscious community. Together with our dedicated team of volunteers, we have developed a thriving Vegetable and Wildflower Garden, a beautiful, cultivated space, and an eco-friendly outdoor seating area with an on-site coffee van. 

“Amazing outdoor project. Run with community and the environment at its heart. Has transformed the community. Being outside in nature has such a positive impact on people’s mental health. Run with kindness and compassion. Somewhere you can go if you are in need of company. Such a friendly place. What we all need right now."

“EkoJoe is a wonderful community project that has brought together the community in Blaby and beyond in a hub of wellness, healing and growing produce, flowers and making the local area a hub of good vibes and tranquil peace. I love going there to enjoy the beautiful surroundings they have transformed from an old overgrown field to a local paradise that is open to all."

"Cosby Crafters are the beating heart of Cosby Yarn Bomb: they predominantly create the displays for the event and volunteer to put them up and take them down. We are proud to showcase their amazing skills in a way that brings so much joy to others. It is a display of real teamwork: all the small elements come together, and everyone's contribution is valued and important.”

“Cosby Crafters is a remarkable community group that uses the power of creativity to bring people together, strengthen connections, and support mental wellbeing. What began as a small gathering of local makers has grown into a much-loved hub of friendship, compassion, and creativity for people of all ages.
 
At its heart, Cosby Crafters exists to combat isolation. Each week, the group provides a welcoming, inclusive space where anyone can come along to craft, chat, and connect. Whether knitting, sewing, crocheting, or learning a new skill, members find comfort and confidence in both the creative process and the supportive friendships that form around the table.
 
For many, Cosby Crafters is far more than a hobby group — it is a lifeline. People who have experienced loneliness, loss, or mental health challenges speak of the positive impact the sessions have had on their sense of purpose and wellbeing. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere allows everyone to take part at their own pace, with no pressure or judgement — just encouragement, laughter, and a shared love of making.
 
The group’s intergenerational approach is one of its greatest strengths. Young people, adults, and older residents come together to share skills, stories, and experiences, breaking down barriers and building understanding across generations. Cosby Crafters also work closely with local schools and community organisations to run special craft days and collaborative projects that promote inclusion and togetherness.
 
Beyond their sessions, the group continually finds ways to give back. Members have created blankets, hats, and care packages for hospitals, hospices, and those in need. These thoughtful gestures not only provide comfort to others but also give participants a strong sense of pride and purpose.
 
Through their creativity, kindness, and community spirit, Cosby Crafters has shown how small acts — a friendly chat, a shared project, a handmade gift — can make a big difference to mental health and community wellbeing. Their impact is visible not only in the beautiful crafts they create, but in the smiles, confidence, and friendships they inspire.
 
Cosby Crafters truly embody what it means to care for one another through creativity. They bring joy to those who need it most and remind us of all of the power of craft to connect hearts, minds, and generations. For their dedication, inclusivity, and outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of the Cosby community, they are an exceptionally deserving nominee”.

“I have been going to the morning session for about four years now… and I feel like I'm part of a very special supportive group. I always leave feeling more relaxed and happier. Everyone is so friendly and no matter where you sit, someone chats with you… Creating items for the yarn bomb also gives a sense of purpose and achievement and I love helping with the yarn bomb stall and talking to all the visitors."

“This group literally brings so much JOY to the villagers of Cosby. Whether it’s the biannual Yarn Bomb, when thousands of visitors from all over the country (and abroad!) get their portion of JOY, or their small, regular support groups, helping people to cope with anxiety, depression, loneliness and other mental health issues. The team of Mel, Nat and Amy really deserve all the accolades they have already received, but this award would be the ‘Icing on the Cake’ (knitted of course!)"

"I’d like to nominate Greenfield PTFA. My daughter attends the school, and I have been really impressed by their dedication to raising funds for our school community and putting on family-friendly events that mean so much after the pandemic. They always come up with new and interesting ways to make the children’s time at school feel special. The Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Gift Rooms are such a lovely touch, and it was wonderful to see families coming together at the Christmas Fair and Colour Run. Knowing that by supporting them the school has received new iPads, reading and maths equipment and wet weather classroom supplies means our children’s education will be improved for years to come.

Every child receives a book bag when they start in foundation, funded by the PTFA, which makes them feel so welcomed and part of the school community from day one. This year they even stood outside school and welcomed the new families with tea bags, tissues and biscuits – what a thoughtful idea!

They have worked hard to tackle the issue of recycling school uniform and have come up with innovative ways of reducing the amount going to landfill through pre-loved sales, an online inventory of stock and now a Greenfield Uniform Club.

The committee are always welcoming and friendly, and we love the ‘Ice Cream Fridays’ stalls – it really feels like summer when they pitch up, and by buying those little treats, we know it’s going to make a big difference to school life.

The PTFA is currently working hard to raise funds for a new adventure trail in the playground, which will benefit children for years to come, including our son who will start school next year. 

Without the PTFA, school life would just end at 3.30pm. With them, the memories made, from discos and in-school 5p challenges, adds that extra buzz about school life that is so important to my daughter – it’s what she’ll remember in years to come.

As with everything these days, the new playground is really expensive, but they are almost able to start the build, having raised over £35,000 already, which is amazing for a group that’s only been going for two and a half years. The new equipment will also be able to be used by local children who attend things like Beavers, and my daughter is very excited that she’ll be able to show it off to her Beavers friends who go to other schools! This sense of pride for where you come from and what you do is really important in an age where children are feeling more anxious and inward looking.

The PTFA is made up of volunteers who are all juggling family life and work, and still manage to meet regularly to discuss what’s important for the school, and work hard to make a difference. I think receiving this award would show them how much they are appreciated by the families they work so hard for."

Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project is a community advocacy service, providing free mental health advocacy, information and advice to adults across Leicester and Leicestershire.  

Alongside their life-changing advocacy service, providing one-to-one support and empowering their service users to reach their goals and have their voice heard within their care, LAMP also provide an information and advice helpline, where service users can ask for guidance, support, information about services and their rights, and warm signposting to other services. This service has recently expanded, providing face-to-face community outreach so that people can access support, information and advocacy easily, within their communities.

Leicestershire Shared Reading runs eight groups throughout the county - five in-person and three virtual groups via zoom. Currently one of the weekly groups is held at Glenfield library with a view to restarting a second weekly group in Blaby library, both of which are within the Blaby district. Our plans target the Blaby Library group to restart in 2026. 

Weekly virtual meetings are aimed at the isolated and house-bound wherever they live in the county. The trained volunteers share a poem and short story with the participants who are encouraged to talk about their feelings and emotions that are conjured up by the poem and story.
 
The groups are open to all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and are free to attend. They offer connection and friendship to those who feel isolated and offer a haven of peace and reflection for those with busier lives.
 
Leicestershire Shared Reading gets quotes such as this from a recent member: "The reading sessions are so soothing and relaxing as well as interesting. Also, the camaraderie and friendships that have developed make each session a pleasure. I really enjoy each one."
 
Leicestershire Shared Reading was established as a voluntary organisation in 2016 and in 2022 was a Community and Business Award winner in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee awards. They were shortlisted for the King's Award for Volunteer Services in 2024.
 
In 2024-25 the volunteer Reader Leaders led a total of 426 sessions of shared reading around the county, with an average of 52 members participating each week.

The Community Hub officially opened in March 2018 and was located at the entrance of New Lubbesthorpe. It quickly became a catalyst for new groups which include Little Lubbers Baby and Toddler Group, Brewed Awakening, mid-week drop in, a book club, walking and running group. Big community events began to take place at Easter, Summer and Christmas. 

During Covid, much of our work was about supporting those needing additional help because of the pandemic as well as redesigning our community work to fit in with government guidelines.

Lubbesthorpe Alive Community Interest Company was launched in August 2020 as a resident-led group to continue the work started through the Pioneer Community Worker's role. The six year funding from Churches Together ceased in September 2022 and we are now funded through the Drummond Estate, the housebuilders, donations to our activities, grants and fundraising events.
 
There is a group of Volunteer Directors as well as a whole host of volunteers to help make this community a great place to live through the work we do. 

Things Lubbesthorpe Alive covers:

• Welcome visits – we visit each new brand home with a welcome bag containing information and a small gift to help them feel right at home from the very start.  We also try to keep up with new organisations moving in and houses that are pre-loved
• Monday drop-in - a welcome space and way of meeting new friends within the local community for all ages, signposting and wellbeing support
• Little Lubbers - an area for new parents to meet with their children. A safe space for children and time for new parents to talk to others about their experiences
• We are currently training Community Wellbeing Champions ready to launch as a Mental Health Friendly Place
• Tea and Toast - designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers. A chance to have a catch up with other parents/carers whilst the children can have a play. There is a different craft to do each week and a big sing song at the end of each session!
• Lubbesthorpe Connexions - a way of meeting / making new friends within the community. A chat and a coffee to break the ice over an informal chat
• Interfaith Groups - Immerse yourself in a warm and inclusive space where we come together to understand, learn, and honour various faiths and cultures
• Lubbesthorpe Christians Together - a network for Christian believers sharing their faith within the local community
• Book Club - The residents are able to attend a book club held once a month
• Crochet Group - a group set up for beginners to learn Crochet

In a nutshell we care about people and aim to see New Lubbesthorpe as a thriving, connected and supportive new town where every resident has access to a helping hand when they need it.   By doing that we know we can help turn neighbours into friends and houses into homes.

“Lubbesthorpe Alive runs community groups and started to build community spirit from just a few houses over the years. Their hard work and dedication have seen them grow and thrive. They offer continuing support to the community through signposting and well-being guidance. They established parent and toddler groups; inter-faith groups catering to the need of all residents in the area and surrounding areas. They host their main fundraiser every year bringing music and fun. They run friendship groups for people that are new to the area to build new friendships and have provided a warm space for people who are struggling due to the cost of living. They work tirelessly to come up with ways to be inclusive in an ever-changing world. They should be proud of what they have accomplished. Since the new centre has been open, they have co-ordinated events through the year such as the Halloween trick or treat station, they run cafes on market days and remain relevant to the community’s wants and needs."

“This group has really galvanised villagers to both engage in and help with a range of activities in the village, most of which have developed as new opportunities in the last five years. The club has been a catalyst in starting many of the groups that now meet there and these are meeting the needs of all ages, from the youth club to the over 60s club. The breakfast club and after school club provide a much-needed support for working parents of children attending the village school.  

The committee run events such as fashion shows and discos aimed at getting people socialising and often fund-raising for the village activities and other causes like LOROS. Laura and her team of volunteers have accessed lots of surplus food from the local supermarkets which cannot be sold and provide this regularly to villagers to help themselves as well as distributing it to villagers in need at Christmas along with warm clothing. This year they will be providing the first Christmas community dinner for villagers at the club.  

They also ensure the building is in a good state of repair and attractive with seasonal decorations which helps maintain regular use by yoga classes for example, and plenty of one-off bookings for villagers’ private events too. These latter activities maintain the funding needed to keep the building going at a time when there is a risk that lack of sufficient regular funding can lead to closure of such much valued resources." 

“Our youth club is a critical centre to our village. Offering a safe space for children and adults alike to attend groups, classes and ad-hoc events, this charity brings the village together, keeps us connected and builds relationships and positive energy… We'd be lost without it and it deserves so much support to keep it going and helping provide vital services to us all." 

“The community centre provides seasonal events for the children in a village that has not much for them to do. They have hosted Halloween parties, free prom for pupils leaving Sharnford school, craft events, youth club and other clubs are hosted there. They run events for the community and elderly such as fashion shows, VE Day celebrations, support the yearly fete, provide butties for the over 60s for them to get out and socialise. The community centre provides a food bank for those struggling, giving them access to fresh produce." 

“Here at Sharnford Primary School we are incredibly lucky to work with the group and see first-hand what they do for the children of our school and for the wider community. Every year, they host a free prom for those leaving Sharnford Primary School. We know they run a weekly youth club for free and host many community events there. The Youth Club has also run a whole year of fundraising on behalf of our school and contributed everything towards helping us secure an outdoor library space for our children. Every year they help towards our Y6 leavers' events and give generously to school fundraising events. They have also given us significant funding towards new reading books and have generously secured us many items for outside play or general resources - along with ensuring the school does not get forgotten amongst other fundraising or village events. Families within the village have told us how they been able to access food parcels and support and have been so grateful for the difference it has made to them. As a staff, we can't think of a more well-deserved group to have this award; their impact on the village, our children and families, and the good that they do, goes absolutely above and beyond."

“They support the annual fete by providing volunteers, equipment, and the building. During winter, they distribute free warm items to those struggling to heat their homes. On Christmas Eve and Boxing Day in recent years, they’ve opened our building to distribute surplus food from nearby supermarkets at no cost. On November 30th, they will host our first community meal, offering a free Christmas dinner to 46 residents. Other events include Halloween discos, fashion shows, youth markets, and more.” 

“They are easily the heart of the village." 

"Louise and her partner Gavin Bodicoat approached the Committee with a proposal of starting an Inclusive Touch Rugby Team aimed at any adult or young person of all needs. They are the only Inclusive Rugby Team in Leicestershire.

They held their first session in September 2024 with only a couple of players - one being Louise's son - and have grown the team over the season. One of their players gained enough confidence to move to a team this season but others are happy to carry on with their fun sessions every Friday evening during the rugby season.

Louise has put a lot of time into applying successfully for grants and obtaining sponsors to enable the team to be self-funded. They pride themselves on the smiles and confidence of the young people when they leave each week.

At every opportunity they are promoting and talking about the Team. They were recently at County Hall talking to parents and guardians of children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They have introduced a team mascot called Pedro and he goes home with the week’s TREDS winner (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship). This is awarded to the player that has shown one of these core, Rugby Football Union’s values. Pedro has some amazing adventures and has his own Instagram page! 

We would like to nominate Louise, Gavin and the other coaches for this award for all of their time and hard work that they have put into building the team and their dedication to make rugby inclusive to everyone."