Idris Patel BEM BCAc | Newham, UK
Chief Executive of the Year
I am honoured to accept my nomination for the Chief Executive of the Year Award at the Inclusive Awards.
I am the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Supporting Humanity, a fully volunteer-led mental health and bereavement charity established during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more than 30 years, I have dedicated my life to volunteering, community development, and supporting those who are often overlooked, marginalised, or unable to access the support they need.
Growing up in a single-parent family, I experienced first-hand the challenges that many individuals and families face when opportunities and support are limited. These experiences shaped my belief that everyone deserves dignity, respect, inclusion, and equal access to services regardless of their background, ethnicity, faith, age, gender, disability, or personal circumstances.
In 2020, as communities faced unprecedented challenges, I founded Supporting Humanity with a vision to ensure that nobody would have to face hardship, loneliness, bereavement, or poor mental health alone. Starting with no funding, grants, or paid workforce, we brought together volunteers, community groups, businesses, faith organisations, healthcare professionals, and local residents to support those most in need.
Since our inception, Supporting Humanity has delivered over 94,000 free meals to vulnerable residents, helping tackle food poverty, isolation, and loneliness. We have also provided more than 800 free burial and funeral services for families experiencing bereavement and financial hardship, ensuring dignity and support during some of life's most difficult moments.
Our impact extends far beyond crisis support. We have delivered over 500 free workshops and community programmes focused on mental health, wellbeing, loneliness, social isolation, and community resilience. These initiatives have helped thousands of people improve their wellbeing, build confidence, develop social connections, and access support services.
Recognising the growing health inequalities experienced by many communities, we have partnered closely with the NHS and healthcare organisations to help educate, inform, and empower local residents. Through awareness campaigns, community engagement events, and health-focused programmes, we have helped improve understanding of key health issues, encouraged earlier intervention, and strengthened trust between healthcare services and local communities.
Supporting Humanity has also organised over 25 free trips and excursions for elderly and vulnerable residents, helping to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and provide opportunities for social connection. These activities have had a significant impact on individuals who may otherwise spend long periods alone, disconnected from their communities.
Our commitment to supporting people extends beyond the UK. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have successfully raised in excess of £1 million for humanitarian relief efforts supporting vulnerable communities in Palestine and Sudan. Working alongside partners and supporters, we have helped provide essential aid, emergency assistance, and practical support to those affected by conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
One of my greatest passions has been tackling the stigma surrounding mental health and bereavement. Across many communities, people continue to suffer in silence due to fear, stigma, cultural barriers, or a lack of understanding. Through Supporting Humanity, I have worked to create safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments where individuals feel comfortable seeking support without judgement. By encouraging open conversations around mental health and grief, we have helped challenge stigma and improve access to support for thousands of people.
Diversity, equality, and inclusion are at the heart of everything I do. Supporting Humanity actively engages individuals from different faiths, cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds, and life experiences. We believe that communities are strongest when everyone has a voice and the opportunity to contribute. Many of our volunteers have lived experience of the challenges we seek to address, and their experiences help shape and strengthen our services.
Beyond my role as CEO, I serve on several NHS, mental health, community leadership, and faith forums where I represent diverse communities and advocate for greater inclusion, equity, and access to services. Through these positions, I work to ensure that the voices of local residents are heard and reflected in healthcare and public service decision-making.
I also serve as a Trustee and Board Member for other charitable organisations, helping to strengthen governance, improve services, and maximise social impact. My focus has always been on bringing people together, building partnerships, and removing barriers that prevent individuals from achieving their full potential.
Throughout my journey, I have sought to inspire others to become involved in volunteering,
