Worthing Community Awards Set To Return For 2026 Ceremony

The Worthing Community Awards are returning for their third year, with the ceremony scheduled for Thursday 28 May 2026 at ROOMS, above the Guildbourne Centre.

Founded in 2024 by Melanie Peters in memory of her daughter Millie, who tragically lost her life to cancer at 18, the awards celebrate individuals, groups and organisations making an outstanding contribution to the Worthing community.

Melanie Peters said:

“Over the last two years we have raised more than £6,000 for local charities.

"This year, funds will go to Worthing Mencap Buddies, and we will also make a donation to Chestnut Tree House in Millie’s memory.

"These awards are about celebrating the real heroes of our town.

"We are also recognising Percy Nowell in our Fundraiser Award, who raised an incredible amount for charities across Worthing before sadly passing away in 2025.”

The 2026 awards will introduce new categories, including the Mental Health Award, Green Award, and Arts & Culture Award.

A Young Community Hero Award, created in Millie’s honour, will recognise under-18s making a real difference in their community.

The judging panel for 2026 includes George Down MBE, Robin Cousins MBE, Elaine Hammond, James Brock, and Andy Sparsis.

Local sponsors supporting the event include Pinnacle (trophy sponsor), The Chip Shop Boxgrove (food sponsor), Rooms (venue sponsor), and First Essentials (website sponsor).

Organisers said the generosity of sponsors is essential to making the event possible.

Nominations are now open at www.worthingcommunityawards.co.uk, with additional enquiries via email at hello@worthingcommunityaward.co.uk.

Awards Categories and Sponsors for 2026

• Community Hero Award – Ian Hart Funeral Directors

• Volunteer of the Year – Briant Communications

• Fundraiser of the Year (In Memory of Percy Nowell) – Raw Services

• The Millie Stoner Young Community Champion (Under 18) – Enzo’s Italian Restaurant

• Young Achiever of the Year (Under 18) – Billy & Beyond

• Mum of the Year – Duchess Boutique

• Dad of the Year – Indigo Bar & Bistro

• Disability Awareness Award – VP Phototherapy & The Paine Foundation

• Carer of the Year – Roz Cloke

• Charity or CIC of the Year – AStar Waste Management

• Community Event of the Year – Stageworks

• Teacher of the Year – Spice I Am

• Sports Award – Worthing Rugby Football Club

• Green Award – Hemiko

• Mental Health Award – Worthing Veterans Association

• Arts & Culture Award – Scattergoods Cocktails

• Business in the Community Award – Riverside South Downs

• Outstanding Contribution to Worthing – Worthing Pride

• Judges’ Choice Award – Heather Silwood Hair