Reflecting on success: Celebrating the winners of the Hampshire Changemakers Awards 2026 – Heart of the Community
Next in our celebratory series looking back at the Hampshire Changemakers Awards 2026, we spotlight a figure who has become synonymous with local spirit and collective action. This past January, the Heart of the Community Award was presented to Father Bob White, the Vicar of St Mary’s Fratton and a tireless advocate for the people of Portsmouth.
Father Bob’s work transcends the traditional role of a vicar, weaving together the efforts of volunteers, local schools, and charities to create a more vibrant and supportive Fratton. Whether through large-scale festivals or the essential day-to-day operations of a community pantry, his leadership is rooted in the belief that we are stronger when we work together. We caught up with Father Bob to discuss his win and the upcoming events that continue to put Fratton on the map.
The winner’s reaction: a shared achievement
“I was overwhelmed to discover I had won the award as there are so many people who are supporting their communities in so many ways, I am always aware that we have only achieved what we have in the various projects I have been chair of because of a great number of people – both paid and voluntary – who have worked together to seek to change the quality of life around us.”
Building the spirit of Fratton
Over the last few years I have been the Vicar of St Mary’s Fratton and have been closely involved with the work initially of Fratton Big Local and now Fratton Together. Our aim from the beginning has been to raise the profile of Fratton and to celebrate the life of our community. Through doing this we have also helped people to address some of the barriers and challenges they face. We have ranged from providing a high-quality play area to commissioning light installations; hosting a lantern parade along Fratton Road – which last year attracted up to 1000 people; being part of the community May Fayre (over 10,000 visitors); working with our MP to promote Fratton Awards; working with local schools; and now running a Pantry and small community hub. I have also been involved as a Trustee of a variety of charities and currently Chair, HIVE Portsmouth.