The Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Ian Gilchrist, has launched his Community Awards, which this year features a new category, Carer of the Year.
Last year, there were 79 nominations for the awards, which recognise volunteers, community leaders, community organisations and local businesses and the positive impact they make on their communities.
The Awards are organised annually in partnership with, the Volunteer Centre Bath and North East Somerset, social housing provider CURO, Student Community Partnership (involving the University of Bath and Bath Spa University students unions) and this year, for the first time, Sirona care & health.
Cllr Gilchrist said: “I am pleased to be hosting the Community Awards this year; it’s important that we recognise people across the district that work tirelessly for the benefit of others.
“The new Carer of the Year category aims to highlight the important role that carers undertake on a daily basis, providing support for their family and friends.”
Mike Plows, Manager of the Volunteer Centre Bath & North East Somerset, said: “The Awards allow the community the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the fantastic voluntary contribution of both teams and individuals and we are delighted to be involved again this year.”
Dusty Walker, Sirona’s non-executive director, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Chairman for the 2015 Community Awards which celebrate the positive contributions of so many from all walks of life.
“I am particularly pleased Sirona is linked to Carer and Young Carer of the Year as our role is not just about caring for the individual using our service but also their loved ones.
“So every day our staff see first-hand those who selflessly care for others to make a difference; I believe it is right that their efforts should be recognised by their community.”
Vanessa Collier, Community Engagement Manager at housing and support organisation Curo said “Many of our customers are key volunteer leaders playing an important role in their local communities every single day.
“We are hoping to see lots of nominations arriving from our Curo residents, and we are delighted to be able to support these awards again this year.”
Anna Boneham, from the University of Bath Students’ Union, said: “The awards are invaluable in that students are able to really feel part of the wider community when being nominated amongst the many other charities and individuals involved.
“Attendance at the awards’ ceremony means they get to hear about the vast range of other local projects being delivered and they come away feeling very inspired and rewarded.”
The award categories are:
Category 1 – Volunteering Awards
- Volunteer of the Year / Young Volunteer of the Year
- Volunteer Leader of the Year / Young Volunteer Leader of the Year
- Volunteer Team or Organisation of the Year/ Young Volunteer Team or Organisation of the Year
- Good Neighbour of the Year / Neighbourhood Team of the Year
- Carer of the Year / Young Carer of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement
Category 2 – Business in the Community Award
This award will recognise a socially responsible business which actively supports its local community in positive activities.
Full details and nomination forms are available www.bathnes.gov.uk/chairmanawards.
Alternatively, you can email [email protected], call 01225 477188 or write to Sara Banks, c/o, The Chairman’s Office, Bath & North East Somerset Council, The Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW.
The deadline for nomination is 12 noon on Friday 27th November, 2015.
