Food bank’s Farhan scoops collaborative working award

Locals who have made a significant difference to their communities were celebrated at a recent awards ceremony.

They included Hackney Foodbank’s Farhan Jaisin – who was presented with an award for Collaborative Working in the Community.

 The event, coordinated by Hackney Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), took place at St Mary’s Secret Garden.

Farhan’s work has brought greater awareness of the issues faced by asylum seekers in Hackney and collaboration between local agencies to support them.

Speaking after the event, Farhan said: “The project we are currently working on is for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers to access jobs and to help our local businesses to thrive.

“It was a real honour to receive the award and a privilege to spend the evening celebrating the amazing effort by others to support the community.”

Headway East London received the award for challenging discrimination and celebrating diversity, Cycle Sisters Hackney were recognised as community workers who have made a difference and Together Better (part of Volunteer Centre Hackney) were awarded for their work in supporting people during the cost-of-living-crisis. Immediate Theatre won the award for Contributing to a Fairer Society and reducing inequality.

The late Laura Muzinga Lutumba, of Hackney Congolese Women Support Group. received a special posthumous award for her dedication to the community.

For a full list of winners, visit: hcvs.org.uk/hackney-cvs-community-awards-2024