Ten organisations and individuals have been recognised for their contribution to other people’s lives across Bath and North East Somerset.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Community Awards 2023/24 championed ‘unsung heroes’ who make a difference in their communities.
A special ceremony was held on 8th November at The Guildhall in Bath to present the ten winners with their awards, which include new trees being planted by Curo and More Trees for BANES at Whiteway Green in Bath.
This will form a lasting tribute to the winners and help extend the green canopy across the district.
More than 60 nominations in eight categories were received for the awards, which this year included the newly named Jenny Willson Volunteer of the Year category in honour of a Bath & North East Somerset Council employee who sadly passed away.
Jenny was known for her leadership in promoting health and wellbeing initiatives within the community and championed supporting others.
Councillor Sarah Moore, Chair of the Council, said: “I have nothing but admiration for all the nominees and their dedication to their communities.
“There are some remarkable stories of individuals who go the extra mile to support others and so I am delighted that the winners will be honoured with newly planted trees, which not only recognise their achievements but also contribute to addressing the climate emergency for the benefit of all of us.
“Congratulations to the ten winners on your well-deserved accolades and thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate your local hero.”
The winners are:
The Beryl Dixon Community Leader of the Year
- Winner – Daisy Douglas, Tender Education
Young Volunteer of the Year
- Winner – Jess Sheridan
Volunteer Team of the Year
- Winner – The Together Project Volunteer Team, Bath Cats and Dogs Home
Young Volunteer Team of the Year
- Winner – V Team, University of Bath Student Union
Charity of the Year
- Winner – We Get It
Green Business Leader
- Winner – Storm Consultancy
The Peter Duppa-Miller Award for Parish Councillor of the Year
- Winner – Councillor Liz Kingston, Stowey Sutton Parish Council
The Jenny Willson Volunteer of the Year
- Winner – Fiona Bell
- Special Recognition, Posthumous – Terry Hodkinson
- Special Recognition, Posthumous – Jean Meredith
This year the Community Awards were organised by the council in partnership with:
- The Student Community Partnership
- HCRG Care Group
- Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, Wiltshire Integrated Care Board.
- The Third Sector Group
- Curo Housing
- More Trees for B&NES