East Kent Mind’s Simon Dolby named Kent’s Local Hero at Churchill Living Awards
East Kent Mind Development Lead Simon Dolby was named Kent’s Local Hero at the Churchill Living Local Hero Awards 2026, recognising his decades of dedication to supporting people and communities across the county.
Simon, from Kent, received the award at a special ceremony held at Churchill Living’s Invicta Lodge in Westwood Cross. He was presented with his trophy by Debra Owen-Hughes, Chair of Thanet District Council, and Derek Blackman, Escort to the Chair.
As part of the award, Simon also secured a generous £1,000 donation for East Kent Mind from the Churchill Foundation, the charitable arm of Churchill Living.
Decades of supporting local communities
Simon has dedicated much of his working life to supporting charities, volunteers and community organisations across Kent.
After initially establishing a children’s charity, he went on to create the Thanet Community Awards and Kent Volunteering Awards, recognising the contributions of hundreds of volunteers who make a difference in their communities.
Through his work with East Kent Mind, Simon has also championed the mental health and wellbeing of military veterans, recognising the challenges many face with loneliness, social isolation and poor mental health.
He has helped secure funding for veterans’ projects across Thanet and Canterbury, providing opportunities for people to connect through activities, trips and wellbeing support, while helping them access additional services when needed.
Simon also established the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards, which celebrate the achievements of more than 50 individuals and organisations each year, alongside the Veterans Awards, recognising the contributions of veterans and those who support them.
His dedication was highlighted by East Kent Mind colleague Karen Brinkman, who nominated him for the award. Karen described how “one of his greatest strengths is that he never accepts no for an answer when it comes to helping others.”
A well-deserved recognition
Speaking after receiving the award, Simon said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be awarded as Kent’s Local Hero by Churchill Living and for the Foundation’s incredibly generous donation towards East Kent Mind.
“This isn’t the first time Churchill has supported the charity, with us recently hosting Veterans Coffee Mornings with the owners here, helping veterans connect with others within the community. It’s brilliant to be back here accepting this award and it’s things like this that really spur you on to keep helping people, knowing the difference it makes to their lives.
“This award goes out to all my colleagues at East Kent Mind, and the wonderful people we get to support.”
Celebrating people who make a difference
The Churchill Living Local Hero Awards recognise the contributions of people who make a positive difference through volunteering, fundraising, mentoring and supporting others.
Following the success of the inaugural awards in 2025, this year’s initiative expanded to recognise 10 individuals across the country.
Spencer J McCarthy, Chairman and CEO of Churchill Living, said: ““Simon is truly an inspiring example of the impact that decades of time and effort can have on people who need it. Karen’s words when she nominated Simon sum him up perfectly – dedicated and unwavering in his support for others. We’re proud to celebrate his achievements and thank him for everything he does.”
Everyone at East Kent Mind congratulates Simon on this well-deserved recognition and thanks Churchill Living and the Churchill Foundation for their generous support.
The £1,000 donation will help East Kent Mind continue its work supporting mental health and wellbeing in communities across East Kent.
For more information about the Local Hero Awards, visit the Churchill Living website.
