Lights, Camera, Celebration!
Champions Honoured at the 2026 1V Awards
One Voice Blackburn proudly welcomed nearly 400 guests to the magnificent Exchange Blackburn for the 2026 1V Awards Dinner, a memorable evening dedicated to celebrating the individuals, groups, charities, businesses, and volunteers who make a positive difference across Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire.
Set against the stunning backdrop of one of Blackburn’s most iconic historic buildings, the evening was filled with inspiration, pride, and celebration as community champions gathered to recognise the outstanding achievements taking place across our borough every day.
Guests were welcomed through the beautifully restored entrance tower before enjoying an evening of awards, entertainment, and heartfelt tributes. The Exchange, first opened in 1865 and currently undergoing an exciting transformation, provided the perfect setting for a night that celebrated both our rich heritage and the bright future of our communities.
A Night of Inspiration and Celebration
The evening followed a vibrant ‘Movie Night’ theme, bringing together finalists, supporters, community leaders, partner organisations, and special guests. Attendees enjoyed the exclusive launch of The Blackburn Job video, showcasing local opportunities, ambition, and success stories from across the borough.
Adding to the evening’s entertainment was a special Grease-inspired performance video from Zoe Taylor Dance Academy, which delighted guests and perfectly captured the celebratory spirit of the occasion.
The awards ceremony was expertly hosted by One Voice Blackburn youth group members Malaaikah Muhammad (14) and Zoeya Ali (17), who presented the evening in an engaging interview-style format, demonstrating the confidence, talent, and leadership of young people involved with One Voice Blackburn.
Recognising Local Excellence
A total of 12 awards were presented, recognising outstanding contributions in leadership, volunteering, health, youth achievement, innovation, community impact, and personal dedication.
Seven awards were presented by One Voice Blackburn, alongside the prestigious Leader’s Award supported by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. This year also saw the introduction of four new awards by Spring North, highlighting even more examples of inspiring work taking place across Lancashire communities.
2026 Award Winners
Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year – Motunrayo Ainenehi
1V Group of the Year – Z’s Defence Academy
1V Health Award – Sunita Asal-Chander
1V Apprentice of the Year – Nico Novello
1V Man of the Year – Tabassam Zabier
1V Woman of the Year – Shigufta Khan
John Roberts Outstanding Achievement Award – Nichola ‘Nikki’ Hartley
Leader’s Award – Donna Mary Butler
Voices from the Winners
“To all the young people in Blackburn with Darwen, you are beautifully and wonderfully made and you can achieve anything you want to.”
Motunrayo Ainenehi
“I feel privileged to receive the Group of the Year Award at this prestigious event from one of the best organisations that delivers these awards every year. I can’t wait to inspire even more people in the community.”
Zaynab ‘Zee’ Jogi
“It’s my first time at the 1V Awards. I completely dedicate this award to the children and young people with a vision impairment. They are the people I support, always striving to help them become more independent and build their confidence in mobility, orientation, and life skills.”
Sunita Asal-Chander
“This award goes out to all my family and friends, and to the staff at Blackburn College. Massive thanks to One Voice Blackburn for this award.”
Nico Novello
Celebrating the People Who Make a Difference
“Saturday evening was a truly special occasion and a powerful reminder of the incredible people we have across East Lancashire. To see nearly 400 guests come together inside the magnificent surroundings of The Exchange made the night even more memorable. The passion, dedication, and compassion shown by all of our finalists and winners is inspiring, and the 1V Awards continue to shine a light on the people and organisations making a real difference in our communities every single day. We are incredibly proud to celebrate them.” – Zaffer Khan, CEO, One Voice Blackburn
The 2026 1V Awards Dinner once again demonstrated the strength, resilience, and generosity that exists across our communities. Congratulations to all finalists and winners, and thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a tremendous success. We look forward to celebrating even more community champions in 2027.