Diane Tolley - January
Diane has worked in a voluntary capacity in Canley for over 45 years. She volunteers to bring a voice to the voiceless and to amplify those who aren’t always heard.
Without recognition or remuneration, Diane has long been a keen advocate for others, devoting countless hours to improving local services by making space for people who have different experiences.
Diane is so proud of where she lives and always aspires to improve the area for the better, for all ages and demographics, she has an amazing skill of being able to communicate with everyone.
Diane is the Chair of the Canley Stakeholder Group and has encouraged residents to attend the group to ensure they have a voice. She has been a lynchpin for her neighbourhood and brought countless people together.
Diane has been a bus champion since 2013, taking feedback to senior management as well as helping spread the word about network changes in the community.
Diane has improved healthcare services as a patient representative, she helped roll out 111 for the NHS and spent several years sharing a Coventry perspective with the Secretary of State for Heath who had spotted her constructive approach.
In addition to her contributions as a patient representative, Diane shares her time and experiences with the next generation of doctors at Warwick Medical School. She addresses hundreds of them at a time to talk about the importance of dignity and compassion for patients and those around them.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Diane volunteered at the local vaccination centre and was a Community Messenger for the City.
Diane is a wonderful citizen and shines brightly in her community, Diane never gives up trying to work with others and always wants the best for the community and especially the residents and she is a worthy recipient of this Coventry Good Citizen Award.
Sharandeep Sahota
Since the age of 7 Sharandeep has been a carer for her disabled relatives, helping with their daily care and their health and wellbeing.
Sharandeep volunteers with the Carers Trust Heart of England and founded the Young Carers Council with the Carers Trust in Coventry, to ensure young carers are represented.
She is an inspiration to other young carers and proves that even with a caring responsibility, you can still achieve incredible things.
Sharandeep has a strong volunteering ethos which includes speaking to students about volunteering at the Birmingham Youth Summit in 2022, helping at the International Children's Games, teaching at the Streetlaw Project, campaigning about knife crime and fundraising with the National Citizen Service.
In November 2023, Sharandeep was named as the Duke of Edinburgh Award's “Change Maker of the Year”. In May 2023 she was nominated for a Coronation Champions Award.
In November 2021, Sharandeep received a national special mention for the Who Cares Wins, Young Hero category for volunteering at Carers Trust, being a young carer and creating packages for the homeless.
Sharandeep is an incredible young lady, who has and continues to support so many throughout her community and is a worthy recipient of the Coventry Good Citizen Award.
Peter Fazakarley
As a volunteer caseworker for the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA), Peter has dedicated 32 years to providing practical and emotional support for veterans and their families.
Peter’s dedication has gone beyond the call of duty. His work has positively improved the lives of many veterans and their families.
Much of Peter’s work involved supporting bereaved families and soldiers who ended their service with disabilities. This has included helping veterans with access social housing, furniture and equipment, organising adaptions for homes, applying for benefits and accessing financial support.
In addition, he dedicated weekends to fundraising and raising awareness of SSAFA with events and campaigning. Peter is a very worthy recipient of the Coventry Good Citizen Award.
Adam Evans & John Coote
Adam and John founded Coventry Comfort Carers on 31 December 2012, to help support rough sleepers and homeless people throughout the city.
They have supported thousands of people with food and clothing and have helped many to gain housing and employment and to rebuild family relationships.
Through Coventry Comfort Carers they have supported other services around the city, at Easter and Christmas they have provided gifts to Valley House, Coventry Haven, children in care, children in respite units and families in temporary accommodation.
They have also supported many of the city’s food hubs and elderly care homes.
In addition, they have provided medical supplies, food and toiletries etc. to many areas of Ukraine including directly to field hospitals and orphanages.
Adam and John are very worthy recipients of this Coventry Good Citizens Award.