The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Outstanding Citizens Awards 2025 took place on Monday evening at a packed Brasshouse Community Centre in Smethwick, where the region came together to honour extraordinary individuals and community groups who go above and beyond to make a difference.
It was a truly emotional and uplifting night, filled with pride, laughter, and a few tears, as family, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate the region’s real-life heroes – selfless volunteers, courageous campaigners, and inspirational role models.
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster was joined by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Wasim Ali and West Midlands Victims’ Advocate Natalie Queiroz MBE to present the awards. The evening also featured special performances from Beatsabar, a Wolverhampton-based music project that supports and inspires young people to express themselves through music. Beatsabar is one of the many community initiatives supported by the PCC’s My Community Fund.
The first award of the evening, Outstanding Community Project, went to Robina Begum’s Binni’s Bladez, a pioneering fencing initiative empowering Muslim women and bringing diverse communities together through sport. The runner-up was Coventry Boys & Girls Club’s MAC Project, which provides prevention and mentoring programmes supporting hundreds of young people each year.
Next, the Outstanding Contribution to Supporting Victims of Crime award was presented to Marcia Lewinson, CEO of WAITS (Women Acting in Today’s Society). Marcia has dedicated decades of leadership to supporting more than 10,000 women affected by domestic abuse and exclusion. The runner-up, Louise Brown, Director of CeAnEx, was recognised for her pioneering work in identifying and supporting hidden victims of trafficking and exploitation.
The Outstanding Contribution to Tackling Knife Crime in Communities award went to Laura Mace, founder of The Alive Wellness CIC Centre, which supports young people affected by knife crime. The runner-up, Nikita Kanda, was honoured for campaigning tirelessly for Ronan’s Law following the tragic loss of her brother – work that has helped change legislation and ban dangerous weapons.
In the Outstanding Young Citizen (Under 18) category, there were joint winners: Bobby-Ray Fitzpatrick of Yardley, Birmingham – who set up a flower stall to fund lifesaving bleed control kits – and Layla Warren, who has dedicated herself to tackling knife crime and bravely saved a young woman’s life when she stopped breathing on a bus. Bobby-Ray’s award was proudly collected by his mum, Jodie Fitzpatrick, on his behalf.
The final award of the evening, Outstanding Citizen, went to Sam Jackson – a lifelong volunteer whose service as a community first responder, police special constable, mentor, and fundraiser has touched thousands of lives. The runner-up, Iftkhar Akhtar, was celebrated for his years of dedicated work delivering workshops to young people across Birmingham, helping steer them away from crime and towards opportunity.
The ceremony also recognised the Police and Crime Commissioner’s network of Independent Custody Visitors, Appropriate Adults and Scrutiny Panel Chairs, with volunteers receiving long service awards for 10 and 20 years of dedicated service – individuals who play a vital role in safeguarding fairness and accountability within West Midlands Police.
Speaking at the ceremony, Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “It was a tremendous privilege to recognise the outstanding citizens of our region – the people who embody the very best of the West Midlands. These awards remind us that true strength lies in compassion, courage and community.
“Each nominee and winner have made an extraordinary contribution to making our region safer, stronger and fairer. Their dedication, selflessness and determination to help others are truly inspirational.
“On behalf of the people and communities of the West Midlands, I want to thank them all for the vital work they do, day in and day out, to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
The 2025 Outstanding Citizens Awards shone a spotlight on the very best of the West Midlands – ordinary people doing extraordinary things, whose compassion and leadership continue to inspire and protect communities across the region.
For more details about volunteering within the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner – including becoming an Independent Custody Visitor, Appropriate Adult or joining the Stop & Search Scrutiny Panel – please email wmpcc@westmidlands.police.uk.
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