Disabled Hemel Hempstead volunteer wins national award
Hemel Hempstead volunteer wins national award after more than a decade supporting local businesses and charities
A Hemel Hempstead volunteer who has spent more than a decade supporting local businesses, charity shops, and community events has won a national award.
Joe Agg, from Hemel Hempstead, won in the Local Communities category at the Dimensions Leaders’ Awards, which celebrate adults with learning disabilities and autistic people who are making a positive difference in society.
The awards are organised by Dimensions, the UK’s largest not-for-profit support provider for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people. Winners were announced at the Leaders’ Awards ceremony in Bristol on 20 October 2026.
“I have loved socialising and giving back”
On winning the award, Joe said: “I am proud to win the Dimensions Leaders’ Award and have loved socialising and giving back to the community. Thank you so much for nominating me to win this awesome award!”
Joe has volunteered for over a decade across several Hemel Hempstead organisations, building a reputation for reliability, practical skill, and quiet commitment.
For 12 years, he has volunteered at Hemel Hempstead Garden Centre, where he helps restock products, organise plants, and maintain the grounds. His work supports a busy local garden centre that serves customers from across the town and surrounding villages.
Supporting charity and local businesses
Joe has also volunteered with the British Heart Foundation for 12 years. His contribution includes portable appliance testing (PAT), unloading deliveries, and preparing appliances for resale. His long-standing commitment has earned him a long-service award from the charity.
For seven years, he has also supported Rainbow Dry Cleaners, showing the same consistency and work ethic across another local business.
Since 2020, Joe has grown into a confident DJ, performing at community events and private parties. It is a visible sign of his growing confidence, independence, and willingness to take on new challenges.
Community leadership through everyday action
Joe won the Local Communities award because his contribution is sustained, practical, and rooted in everyday service to others.
Across the garden centre, charity shop, dry cleaners, and local events, Joe has shown what community leadership can look like: turning up, learning skills, supporting colleagues, helping customers, and giving his time to places that matter locally.
The Dimensions Leaders’ Awards are nominated, judged, and presented by adults with learning disabilities and autistic people. The awards celebrate people who are making a positive difference through achievement, leadership, advocacy, and community action.
Entries are open for the next Leaders’ Awards!
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