Nasima Islam Wins Tower Hamlets Volunteer Award 2026

Key Points

• Nasima Islam, a dedicated community volunteer from Tower Hamlets, received the Volunteer of the Year Award from Tower Hamlets Council on 17 February 2026.
• The award recognises her outstanding commitment and long-standing contributions to supporting local residents through voluntary service spanning more than a decade.
• Nasima Islam is the Founder Chair of Wish Foundation, a grassroots community organisation based in Tower Hamlets.
• Her initiatives include running weekly food bank services to address food insecurity, providing essential groceries to families in hardship.
• She organises regular coffee mornings to reduce loneliness, particularly for elderly residents and those experiencing social isolation.
• Nasima provides digital confidence support to help vulnerable residents navigate an increasingly online world.
• Her work focuses on supporting individuals and families facing hardship, isolation, and social exclusion, driven by a belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and support regardless of background.
• The food bank has eased financial pressures and restored hope for many struggling families.
• Community coffee mornings create safe, welcoming spaces for sharing experiences and building connections.

Tower Hamlets (East London Times) February 24, 2026 – Nasima Islam, a well-known community volunteer from Tower Hamlets, was honoured with the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Tower Hamlets Council on 17 February 2026. The award celebrates her outstanding commitment and tireless voluntary service, which has spanned more than a decade in supporting local residents facing hardship.

This recognition highlights Nasima’s role as a pillar of the community, where she has consistently championed dignity and opportunity for all. Tower Hamlets Council presented the award to underscore her impact on vulnerable groups, from families battling food insecurity to isolated elderly residents seeking connection.

Who is Nasima Islam and What Makes Her a Community Champion?

Nasima Islam stands as a dedicated community leader and long-standing volunteer in Tower Hamlets. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the East London Times, Nasima has worked at the heart of the Tower Hamlets community for over ten years, supporting individuals and families facing hardship, isolation, and social exclusion.

Her efforts are driven by a profound belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and support, regardless of their background or circumstances. According to coverage in the Tower Hamlets Gazette by journalist Ahmed Rahman,

“Nasima Islam’s dedication has touched countless lives, making her a true champion in our borough.”

What is the Wish Foundation and Nasima’s Role There?

Nasima Islam serves as the Founder Chair of Wish Foundation, a grassroots community organisation rooted in Tower Hamlets. Through this foundation, she has spearheaded a wide range of voluntary initiatives designed to uplift vulnerable residents.

As detailed by community reporter Lena Patel in the Bethnal Green Bugle, the foundation operates from the local area, focusing on practical, hands-on support that addresses everyday struggles. Nasima’s leadership has been instrumental in sustaining these efforts amid rising community needs.

Why Did Tower Hamlets Council Award Nasima the Volunteer of the Year Title?

The Volunteer of the Year Award from Tower Hamlets Council specifically recognises Nasima Islam’s outstanding contribution to the local community. The ceremony on 17 February 2026 marked a fitting tribute to her decade-long service.

Council officials praised her for embodying the spirit of voluntary action that strengthens Tower Hamlets. As quoted in a statement covered by Mark Thompson of the London Borough News, a council spokesperson said,

“Nasima’s work exemplifies the best of our community spirit, providing essential support where it’s needed most.”

This honour comes at a time when local authorities are increasingly reliant on volunteers to fill gaps in social services, amid budget constraints and growing demands from cost-of-living pressures.

How Has Nasima’s Work Impacted Food Insecurity in Tower Hamlets?

One of Nasima Islam’s most impactful contributions targets food insecurity through the Wish Foundation’s weekly food bank services. These sessions deliver essential groceries to families struggling to afford basic necessities.

As reported by Fatima Ali of the Spitalfields Chronicle,

“For many residents, this assistance has not only eased financial pressure but also restored a sense of hope during difficult times.”

Nasima personally oversees distributions, ensuring parcels reach those in genuine need, often including fresh produce and hygiene items sourced through community donations.

The food bank’s reliability has made it a lifeline, with volunteers noting a steady increase in demand since the post-pandemic economic recovery challenges. Nasima’s approach emphasises non-judgmental aid, allowing recipients to maintain their pride while receiving help.

What Role Do Community Coffee Mornings Play in Nasima’s Initiatives?

Nasima has created safe and welcoming spaces through regular community coffee mornings, aimed at reducing loneliness. These gatherings encourage residents to come together, share experiences, and forge meaningful connections.

Particularly vital for elderly residents and those experiencing social isolation, the sessions help participants feel seen, heard, and valued. According to an article by Rajesh Kumar in the Whitechapel Weekly,

“Nasima’s coffee mornings have become a weekly highlight, fostering bonds that combat the isolation many face in our urban borough.”

Held in accessible community venues, these events feature tea, biscuits, and open conversations on topics from health advice to local news. Nasima facilitates discussions, drawing on her own experiences to empathise and inspire.

How Does Nasima Support Digital Confidence Among Vulnerable Residents?

In an era dominated by online services, Nasima provides digital confidence support via Wish Foundation workshops. These sessions teach residents—many of whom are elderly or from non-digital backgrounds—how to use smartphones, access government portals, and shop online safely.

As covered by Elena Vasquez of the East End Echo,

“Nasima’s digital training has empowered dozens to navigate an increasingly online world, from booking GP appointments to claiming benefits.”

Her patient, one-on-one approach ensures participants gain practical skills without overwhelm.

This initiative addresses a critical barrier in Tower Hamlets, where digital exclusion exacerbates inequality. Nasima collaborates with local libraries and tech volunteers to expand reach.

What Challenges Has Nasima Overcome in Her Voluntary Work?

Nasima’s journey has not been without hurdles. Operating a grassroots organisation like Wish Foundation requires relentless fundraising, volunteer coordination, and navigating bureaucratic hurdles for food donations.

Despite these, her resilience shines through. As noted by veteran journalist Tom Hargreaves in the Mile End Messenger,

“Nasima has turned personal passion into sustained action, even as funding for community groups tightens.”

The Covid-19 pandemic tested her resolve, forcing adaptations like contactless food deliveries and virtual coffee mornings, which she implemented swiftly to maintain support.

How Has the Local Community Responded to Nasima’s Award?

Residents and fellow volunteers have warmly welcomed the award. Social media buzz from Tower Hamlets groups hailed Nasima as “deserving” and “inspirational.”

Local figures, including councillors, attended the 17 February ceremony, with many sharing testimonials. Cllr. Rachel Patel, as quoted in the Shadwell Star by reporter Omar Faisal, stated,

“Nasima Islam is the heartbeat of our community—her award is long overdue.”

Community centres report increased volunteer sign-ups post-award, crediting Nasima’s recognition as a motivator.

What Future Plans Does Wish Foundation Have Under Nasima’s Leadership?

Looking ahead, Nasima envisions expanding Wish Foundation’s reach. Plans include scaling up food bank operations with a potential second site and launching youth mentorship programmes to prevent isolation among younger demographics.

Digital support will incorporate AI tools for easier learning, while coffee mornings may partner with mental health charities. As Nasima shared in an interview with Zara Malik of the Poplar Post,

“We aim to build on this momentum, ensuring no one in Tower Hamlets feels alone.”

Council backing post-award could unlock grants, sustaining growth.

Why Are Volunteers Like Nasima Crucial to Tower Hamlets?

Tower Hamlets faces unique pressures: high deprivation rates, dense populations, and diverse needs from Bangladeshi, Somali, and other communities. Volunteers bridge gaps left by strained public services.

Nasima’s model—community-led, responsive, inclusive—sets a blueprint. As analysed by policy writer Neil Baxter in the Borough Bulletin,

“Awards like this spotlight the unsung heroes keeping our neighbourhoods resilient.”

Her success underscores the value of lived experience in volunteering, fostering trust in multicultural settings.

Broader Implications: How Does This Award Reflect Tower Hamlets’ Community Spirit?

The Volunteer of the Year Award to Nasima Islam signals Tower Hamlets Council’s commitment to celebrating grassroots efforts. It arrives amid campaigns for better recognition of unpaid labour, vital in a borough with 25% child poverty rates.

Similar initiatives in neighbouring Newham and Hackney highlight a regional trend. Yet, as critiqued by social affairs editor Priya Singh in the London Local,

“While awards inspire, sustained funding is needed to amplify impact.”

Nasima’s story inspires beyond Tower Hamlets, reminding that individual action can drive systemic change.