Press release: Coin Street celebrates National Diversity Awards 2026 recognition

Coin Street celebrates national diversity recognition as new Impact Report reveals community reach.

South Bank community organisation reaches National Diversity Awards final as new figures show thousands of local people connecting through its programmes.

Coin Street is celebrating national recognition for its community work after reaching the final of the National Diversity Awards 2026, as its new Community Impact Report reveals the reach and difference its programmes are making across Waterloo and North Southwark.

Coin Street was one of ten finalists for the Community Organisation: Multi-Strand Award at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, selected during a year in which more than 80,000 nominations were made across all categories of the National Diversity Awards.

The nomination attracted 147 written testimonials in support of Coin Street, recognising work that often happens away from the spotlight in the heart of the community.

Natalie Bell, Head of Youth and Community Programmes at Coin Street, (pictured here with Keith Winestein) represented the organisation and its communities at the awards ceremony.

Natalie said:

“To have so many people take the time to write in support of Coin Street, and then to reach the national final, is something we are incredibly proud of. It recognises work which is often unseen.

“We stand on the shoulders of Coin Street’s committed and selfless founders, who fought for seven long years to secure this land for the local community. Without their sheer dedication and refusal to accept defeat, we would not have housed more than 230 families and be able to deliver vital community support seven days a week.

“It is the team who deliver services day in, day out with compassion, love and care who deserve this recognition.”

The national recognition comes ahead of the publication of Coin Street’s Community Impact Report 2025–26, which tells the stories behind its work and documents its impact across Waterloo and North Southwark over the past year. 

During 2025–26, 1,516 people took part in youth and community programmes, generating 8,951 attendances, while 812 families were supported by the Family and Children’s Centre, including 213 newly registered families. 

The people taking part reflect the diversity and different generations of the neighbourhood. Participants represented 57 ethnicities, 57% identified as being from Global Majority communities and 35% reported a disability, learning difference or long-term health condition. Almost half – 46% – were under 18, while 31% were aged over 65. 

But the report also looks beyond participation numbers to what changed for people. Among those surveyed, 89% said activities helped them feel part of their local community, 87% said they met new people or made friends and 75% said activities improved their confidence.

The report includes stories from across Coin Street’s programmes, from support for children and families to activities tackling loneliness, improving health and wellbeing, creating opportunities for young people and bringing different generations together.

In North Southwark, 95 young people took part in weekly gym and football sessions through Get Fit for Life, supported by Southwark Council’s Positive Future for Young People fund. Of those taking part, 94% said they felt part of their community and 78% reported increased confidence. 

The Community Organisation: Multi-Strand Award was won by Black Child Down Syndrome, whose work champions visibility, representation and support for Black children with Down syndrome and their families.

Coin Street congratulates Black Child Down Syndrome and fellow finalists AWARE NI, Ethnic Minority Council, Socially Mobile, Newcastle Carers, Herefordshire Mind, Communities Inc and Mary’s Charity.

Reflecting on the evening, Natalie added:

“Everyone at the National Diversity Awards was full of love and inspired hope. It was a very special space to be in and to witness the work of hundreds of community leaders who are positively changing lives across the UK.

“We do not accept injustice and inequality. This is why we are all here.

“Coin Street believes ‘There is another way’. This is so important in the face of adversity. We need to believe in this, especially now.”

Coin Street’s community-led approach stretches back to the 1980s, when local people campaigned to secure a derelict site on London’s South Bank and put the needs of Waterloo and North Southwark first. Their vision led to homes, community spaces and opportunities that continue to shape the neighbourhood today. 

The Community Impact Report describes Coin Street’s purpose as creating a thriving, inclusive neighbourhood in Waterloo and North Southwark, rooted in the belief that strong communities transform lives.