Latymer Upper School Student Rohan Honoured for Outstanding Community Work

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Latymer Upper School student Rohan who has been recognised for two prestigious awards for his remarkable contributions to the community. He has received the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Mayor’s Award in the Young Achiever category, as well as a Hammersmith & Fulham Civic Honours Award for Individual contributions to building a stronger, safer, kinder borough.

These awards acknowledge his inspiring social initiative titled In The Bag, which offers free hygiene kits to those facing hardship in the local area. The kits include items like shampoo, conditioner, dental supplies, shaving kits, combs and socks and after his own research, he also added feminine hygiene products after being educated on period poverty. 

More than just a collection of essential items, each kit also includes a handwritten card with words of encouragement—offering emotional support alongside practical help. Through his own financial contributions and donations from local businesses, Rohan has been busy assembling kits after-school and on weekends, ensuring they reach local homeless shelters and food banks for distribution. 

In collaboration with partner organisations, he also provides a short handbook he created outlining basic job-seeking tips and guidance. As well as studying for his A-Levels, he remains dedicated to helping those suffering from homelessness in his free time, with 100+ kits being distributed in the past year. 

Looking ahead, Rohan hopes to expand In The Bag by sourcing sponsors to include pay-as-you-go phone cards in each kit, enabling homeless job seekers to contact employers and job centres—removing a major barrier to re-entering the workforce. 

His initiative has garnered media attention, with features in both the BBC and MyLondon. He was even interviewed by BBC Radio London. 

‘Rohan is a positive force for change across diverse platforms and inspired his peers to embrace service and action as well’ – Hammersmith & Fulham Civic Honours 2025

We at Latymer Upper School are immensely proud of Rohan and the dedication he has shown—his compassion and initiative serve as an inspiring example to students everywhere. 

Author: Sohni Malde