Award categories

This award recognises individuals who make their neighbourhood a better place to live. This could be through ongoing dedication or a single act of kindness.

The Volunteer Contribution Award (all age) recognises individuals who have made a significant and positive difference through their volunteering. 

We want to celebrate the dedication, commitment, and meaningful contributions that have improved communities, organisations, or causes. 

This award recognises outstanding leadership or management within the VCFSE sector.

It celebrates leaders who have demonstrated exceptional vision, governance, and commitment to strengthening their organisation and the wider community. 

The Small Community or Charity Group of the Year Award celebrates local community groups and local charities that have made a significant impact within their communities. 

It recognises groups that have made a meaningful change and shown a commitment to improving the lives of others,  through:

• social support
• representation
• environmental initiatives
• community engagement

The Health and Wellbeing Award recognises groups or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to improving physical or mental health within their communities. 

This could be through dedication to promoting well-being initiatives such as:

• healthcare support
• improved mental health
• increased physical activity
• holistic wellness projects

The Breaking Down Barriers for Organisations Award honours local charities, groups and organisations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to inclusivity and removing obstacles to equal access and participation. 

This could be through:

• community engagement
• innovative programmes
• enabling a positive change to workplace policies

This award celebrates organisations that go above and beyond to support care-experienced children and young people, including those:

• in foster care
• care leavers
• engaged through mentoring programmes or long-term support initiatives

Nominees for this award may include:

• charities
• community groups
• education providers
• service-led organisations

That deliver nurturing environments, consistent guidance, and inclusive opportunities for care-experienced young people. 

This award recognises individuals, groups, or organisations that have introduced new ideas, demonstrating a creative and forward-thinking approaches to address community needs or challenges. 

This may include:

• social media
• online safety
• arts
• sports
• podcasts
• digital
• physical activity
• sustainability