Reflecting on success: Celebrating the winners of the Hampshire Changemakers Awards 2026 

Our next spotlight in this series looking back at the Hampshire Changemakers Awards highlights a leader in community-led collaboration. Kikoi Connection was presented with the Innovation in Community Partnership Award, a category that recognises those who go beyond surface-level engagement to build deep, lasting bridges between people and institutions. 

Kikoi Connection formed in 2020 and has become a vital advocate for community engagement in Basingstoke and beyond, proving that the most resilient communities are those that are truly connected. We spoke with the team about their journey and diverse pillars of work, from health literacy to economic empowerment, that defines their mission today. 

 The Winner’s Reflection: Validation of Service 

Winning this award means a great deal to me and my colleagues at Kikoi Connection. It is deeply humbling because our work has always been about service, not with any expectation of recognition. It feels like a profound validation of the quiet, consistent efforts of many people working day in and day out to strengthen our communities. I’m grateful to everyone who has walked alongside us—particularly the leadership and relevant staff of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hampshire Cultural Trust, and all our partners, as well as sponsors whose support has been unwavering. My sincere thanks also go to the organisers of the Hampshire Changemakers Awards for recognising the value of community-led collaboration and for championing those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. 

This recognition honours both my personal journey as a community volunteer and the collective mission of Kikoi Connection - two strands of work that are deeply intertwined, yet each significant in their own right. 

My commitment to community development spans over a decade of service across cultures, faiths, and institutions. Whether leading the Basingstoke World Party, organising the annual Interfaith Walk, or alongside residents raising funds for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal, for Ukraine, and for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, my driving belief has always been the same: a connected and cohesive community is a resilient one. I have also served strategically - as a Trustee of Citizens Advice, and formerly as Chair of BACCA and Basingstoke Multicultural Forum - because sustainable change requires both grassroots presence and governance rigour. 

Alongside this personal journey stands Kikoi Connection, which I was privileged to co-found along with other community leaders who shared a common vision. Established by a coalition of communities Kikoi Connection exists to strengthen cohesion through meaningful partnerships, cultural understanding and advocacy on issues of collective interest. Since 2020, we have worked consistently to impact our communities across four key pillars: 

Health & Well-being 

We are committed to reducing health inequalities and increasing culturally responsive health literacy within underserved communities. Through cancer awareness programmes and our recent mobilisation of communities to support the Raising Voices in Research Roadshow in Basingstoke, we have helped build vital trust between communities and local health providers. Our outreach work ensures that no community is left behind when it comes to accessing healthcare information and services. 

Education, leadership and cultural identity 

This pillar empowers individuals through inclusive education, cultural pride, and accessible leadership pathways. We engage actively with local authorities to advocate for a more representative curriculum and have supported recruitment drives for school governors from within our communities, ensuring leadership reflects the diversity of Basingstoke. In partnership with Hampshire Cultural Trust, we have collaborated on exhibitions such as 'Basingstoke My Home' and organise a series of events annually to commemorate Black History Month and Windrush, usually with support from our local council. For young people, our Rooted and Rising programme equips them with the knowledge and skills to navigate careers and social challenges in an evolving world. Through this work, we have strengthened intercultural connections and deepened awareness of the rich diversity within our borough. 

Justice, rights and civic participation 

We work to build informed, confident communities that understand their rights and participate actively in civic life. Recognising the disproportionate impact of stop-and-search on young Black males, we partner with Hampshire Constabulary to engage young people in schools, building confidence and fostering constructive dialogue between communities and police. During the general and PCC elections, we facilitated impartial hustings and circulated all candidates' manifestos to our communities, empowering voters to make informed choices. Our work has led to increased community voice in local discussions and meaningful policy engagement. 

Economic inclusion and enterprise: 

Our work in this pillar strengthens economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and equitable access to opportunity. We have created a business directory highlighting ethnic minority-owned enterprises and regularly organise workshops and networking events that build a strong cross-referral ecosystem. These gatherings connect local business owners with potential mentors, fostering a supportive environment where enterprises can thrive. 

Upcoming projects & awareness 

We have a range of projects and events planned for the coming months, including: 

• Rooted and Rising – Our youth-focused programme empowering young people with skills, confidence, and resilience 

•  Windrush Commemoration – Celebrating the contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants 

•  Business Networking Events – Creating opportunities for ethnic minority-owned enterprises to connect and grow 

•  Hope Cancer Awareness – Community outreach and education to improve health literacy around cancer prevention 

•  Black History Month – A series of events celebrating heritage, achievement, and contribution 

•  Robe of Commonwealth – A cultural initiative exploring shared heritage and connection across Commonwealth communities 

Further details of all our activities can be found on their website and social media channels. 

Follow this link for more information

 Kikoi Connection: Engage. Educate. Empower.