16 Oct 2026 | Posted by Leah Cassady
Nine community heroes have been celebrated at Acis Group's first-ever Inspiring Communities Awards.
The awards, held at the Savoy Cinema in Gainsborough, recognised people whose kindness, determination, resilience and commitment to others help strengthen communities and change lives throughout the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Greg Bacon, Chief Executive of Acis Group, said: “What an incredible and humbling evening. Our winners represent the very best of our communities and it was a real privilege for us to be able to host these awards and publicly honour them and their achievements.
“They are people who have made a genuine difference to the lives of others and whose actions inspire those around them. We were overwhelmed by the quality of nominations and every winner should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”
More than 30 nominations were received across nine award categories, with winners selected by an independent judging panel.
The winners were:
Community Champion Award | John and Carolyn Lyden
John and Carolyn, from Gainsborough, were recognised for their outstanding contribution to community life through their involvement with Gainsborough Men's Shed and a range of local initiatives. Their dedication has helped create friendship, purpose and belonging for countless people while tackling loneliness and strengthening community spirit.
Carolyn said: " It's nice to be recognised for all the hard work, but it's totally rewarding what we do." John added: "We’re proud to win."
Act of Kindness Award | David Herbert
David, from Mablethorpe, was recognised for the compassion and generosity he shows to people and causes in need. Through supporting people experiencing homelessness, charitable giving and fostering and rehoming dogs, his everyday kindness has had a profound impact on the lives of others.
Volunteer Award | Leon McCulla
Leon, from Gainsborough, received the award in recognition of his selfless commitment to volunteering. From supporting community venues and events to helping tackle loneliness and giving up part of Christmas Day to support others, his contribution has touched lives across the community.
Leon said: "I’m over the moon, it’s so unexpected. I lead a normal life and I'm speechless to get the Volunteer Award."
Environmental Award | Tina Orange
Tina, a tutor at Riseholme College, was honoured for her long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Through promoting biodiversity, reducing waste, educating others and encouraging practical action, she has inspired positive change for people, communities and the environment.
Tina said: "For me personally, it means everything to win to be honest. And it's great for the college because it highlights what we can do and it highlights what I can give to the students and what the students can then go forward and take back into the community themselves."
Learner Award | Jack Webster-Eyles
Jack's remarkable personal development journey earned him unanimous support from the judging panel. Having grown in confidence through education and learning at Riseholme College, he has embraced every opportunity available to him while becoming a positive role model and ambassador for others.
Jack said: "It's just so exciting to win this award, it's absolutely amazing. It's a great achievement because I've come from being very shy and now I'm basically doing a bit of everything and it feels great."
Inspiration Award | Gary Baxter
Gary, from South Yorkshire, was recognised for demonstrating extraordinary strength and resilience in the face of personal loss. By turning his experiences into a force for good through fundraising, community support and helping others, he has become an inspiration to everyone around him.
Gary, pictured below on the right, said: "I t’s very humbling, I’m lost for words. I just do what I do, and I just want to make sure that my wife's sort of memory lives on and I'll go wherever I need to be just for her. Winning means everything because it’s for my wife."
New Beginnings Award | Zoe Byrne
Zoe, from Gainsborough, received the award for overcoming significant personal challenges and creating a positive new direction for her future. Through education, determination and self-belief, she has rebuilt confidence and demonstrated the power of resilience.
Zoe said: " This is a community award and without Acis, without Clip, without the tutors and my wonderful cohort, I wouldn't have this. If you don't provide the community, we can't be inspiring. Success breeds success. I'm so proud, so pleased and so grateful. This is a community award and without Acis, without Clip, without the tutors and my wonderful cohort, I wouldn't have this. If you don't provide the community, we can't be inspiring. Success breeds success. I'm so proud, so pleased and so grateful.
Living Well Award | Jayne Faulkner
Jayne, from Mablethorpe, was recognised for her determination to continue pushing forward despite significant life challenges. Her positive outlook, courage and willingness to embrace new opportunities have inspired others to focus on their own health, wellbeing and independence.
Jayne said: "Well, it's just nice to be nominated at the end of the day. Fighting Fit got me there."
Impact Award | Joann Collins
Joann, from the Gainsborough area, received the evening's final award for her exceptional contribution to supporting vulnerable young people. Through her compassion, patience and unwavering encouragement, she has helped countless individuals build confidence, overcome barriers and believe in brighter futures.
Joann said: “I'm very happy, it's just nice to be nominated at the end of the day but Fighting Fit got me there."
The awards form part of Acis Group's commitment to supporting thriving communities and recognising the people whose efforts help create positive change across the region.
Find out more about Acis Group here: https://www.acisgroup.co.uk/about-us/our-performance/