Worcestershire Interfaith Forum are celebrating winning a prize for ‘Outstanding Interfaith Partnership’ at the annual Mitzvah Day Awards.
The awards highlight the impact of Britain’s Jewish community, alongside partners from across the faith spectrum, recognising inspirational acts of kindness, unity, and social action.
The ceremony honoured winners from a rich diversity of religions, backgrounds, ages, and regions, all united in their efforts to support some of the most vulnerable members of society.
The Outstanding Interfaith Partnership Prize was this year awarded jointly to Worcestershire Interfaith Forum (WIFF) and Hendon School, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to interfaith collaboration whilst celebrating Mitzvah Day.
WIFF's Mitvah Day, comprising volunteers from the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, and Baha’i communities, was recognised for over a decade of dedicated partnership. It was noted that WIFF's ongoing work at the Alexandra Hospital, part of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust reflects a model of unity in action and shared humanity. WIFF's efforts continue to foster deep understanding, compassion, and spiritual care across faith boundaries.
The judges were so impressed by the strength and longevity of WIFF's collaboration that they found it impossible to choose just one winner, leading to a rare but meaningful decision to name two recipients.
WIFF's Yvonne and Geoff Stollard attended to receive the award together with Dr Melanie Mann from the NHS Trust. Melanie is WIFF's main contact at the hospital for Mitzvah Day and helps coordinate / organise the event.
The evening also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on the power of social action to unite communities, with distinguished guests including Bishop of Edmonton Reverend Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Mayor of Camden Cllr Samata Khatoon, Director of Caritas Westminster Richard Harries, and Cllr Rebecca Filer.
In the spirit of giving, attendees were not charged for tickets but instead asked to bring non-perishable food donations for the New Horizon Youth Centre, which supports young Londoners facing homelessness.
The Mitzvah Day Awards served not only as a celebration of achievements but as a call to continue building bridges, deepening understanding, and working together for the common good — one mitzvah at a time.
Picture credits: Yakir Zur Photography
