Today, 23rd January, at 3 pm, Dr. Mahaboob Basha, BEM, received the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) for Service to the Community at the Palace of Westminster, London. The award was presented by Lord Dholakia, Dame Mary Perkins, and TV presenter Matt Allwright. Dr. Basha was celebrated for his exceptional contributions through the Sketty Youth Club and Sketty Tea Lounge in West Glamorgan. Among 26 honourees, Dr. Basha is the only recipient from Wales on the BCA People’s Honours List 2025.

Dr. Basha, who works at Swansea University and serves as a Trustee Board Member and Council Member of the university, has tirelessly dedicated himself to improving the lives of BAME communities, with a particular focus on children, youth, and individuals aged 50+. This award acknowledges his efforts in tackling poverty, securing funding, and delivering over 22,000 hot meals to school and college children, as well as elders, over the past 23 months. His work has collaborated with the Sketty Mosque & Community Centre, Swansea Council’s Tackling Poverty Team, and the Welsh Government.

Among his significant achievements, Dr. Basha has brought together all seven registered mosques in Swansea under one umbrella, serving as their convener and spokesperson. He has also successfully lobbied Swansea Council to designate land for Muslim funerals at Morriston Crematorium and led the creation of the Muslim Funeral Protocol in consultation with key stakeholders, including HM Coroner, NHS Aftercare Team, South Wales Police, and community leaders. This protocol, the first of its kind in Wales, is now under consideration by the Welsh Government and Welsh Local Authorities Association for implementation across 22 councils this summer.

Dr. Basha’s extensive roles include being an active trade unionist, school governor at Parkland Primary and Olchfa Comprehensive, governor of Gower College, and trustee of Age Cymru West Glamorgan and the Sameera Foundation, consistently acting as a voice for the voiceless and building stronger bridges between communities and civil authorities.

Dr. Mahaboob Basha said:

“Receiving this award is a deeply humbling experience, and it is an honour I share with my community. Together, we have achieved remarkable things—from supporting children and elders with hot meals to creating platforms for unity and progress. This recognition motivates me to continue advocating for inclusivity, equality, and positive change, ensuring no one in our community is left behind.”

Professor Parvaiz Ali, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sketty Mosque & Community Centre said:

“Dr. Mahaboob Basha is a pillar of strength and unity in our community. His tireless dedication and leadership have transformed lives, and his initiatives—like securing funding to tackle poverty and creating the Muslim Funeral Protocol—have set a precedent for other communities across Wales. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his selflessness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving others.”