The awards were hosted as part of a partnership event organised by Kingston Voluntary Action, Kingston Council and other voluntary organisations and charities across the borough, celebrating the dedicated volunteers and teams making a real difference in Kingston’s communities.

Amanda Simner received Highly Commended in the Unsung Hero category, while John Bangs was Highly Commended in the Lifetime Achievement category.

Amanda has volunteered with Kingston Young Carers for nearly 10 years, supporting everything from office administration to weekly peer support sessions and holiday activities for young carers. During the pandemic, she also helped deliver activity packs, food parcels and essential supplies to families.

Her colleagues describe her as “the kind of person you genuinely want to bottle and keep forever” – a reflection of the warmth and reliability she brings to every aspect of her volunteering.

John has spent more than 30 years championing carers, both while working for Surrey County Council and after retiring. Since then, he has helped to raise awareness through creative projects including the Young Carers in Bunnyland and Young Carers in Space books, developed alongside author and illustrator Ana Graça and our young carers.

Earlier this year, Young Carers in Space reached an extraordinary milestone when it was selected as a CBBC Bedtime Story. It is the first time ever one of their bedtime stories has centred on a young carer, a remarkable achievement reflecting John’s determination to make young carers a topic of national conversation.

“Both Amanda and John are the kind of people who quietly get on with making an enormous difference. They don’t seek recognition, but over many years they have devoted so much of their time, energy and commitment to Kingston Carers Network, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do.”

Jess Burrows, Volunteers Manager

Congratulations to Amanda and John on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for everything you do for carers across Kingston.