People in Bath and North East Somerset still have time to nominate hard-working heroes for one of several annual awards celebrating the difference they make to their community.
But the deadline is looming and organisers of the Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Community Awards say people haven’t got long to get their nominations in.
The awards recognise volunteers, community leaders, community organisations, carers and local businesses for the positive impact they make on others and the wider community.
Council Chair, Cllr Cherry Beath, said: “We want to remind people that there is still a little bit of time to get in touch to nominate a group or someone, who is making a difference to their community, but the deadline is approaching.
“We’ve had good response so far but I am sure there are lots more unsung heroes who could be nominated.”
Nominations are open until Friday 1st December, after which the Chair will then identify one or more individuals or groups to receive an award.
The awards are organised annually in partnership with the Volunteer Centre Bath and beyond; social housing provider Curo; the Student Community Partnership (involving the University of Bath and Bath Spa University students unions) and Sirona care & health.
The Chair is also delighted to welcome a new partner for this year’s Awards, Virgin Care.
Nominations can be made in the following categories:
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 / Young Neighbour or Young Neighbourhood Team of the Year
- Carer of the Year / Young Carer of the Year
- The Peter Duppa-Miller 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.
The Chair may also identify one or more individuals or groups from the nominations received to present a ‘Special Award’.
Julie Thallon, Interim Managing Director at Virgin Care, said: “We are delighted to be a partner for the Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Chair’s Community Awards in recognition of the invaluable contribution that volunteers and community champions make in improving and developing their local communities.”
Mike Plows, of the Volunteer Centre, said: “Being a part of the awards again this year is a great honour. We have so many inspirational people in our community that give up their time to help and support others. It is a wonderful opportunity to recognise their efforts, talents and commitment.”
Simon Knighton, Chairman of Sirona care & health, said: “We are delighted to continue our association with these awards which recognise some of the fantastic work going on in our communities.
“Our services in Bath and North East Somerset – Residential Homes, extra care schemes and our Community Equipment service – benefit hugely from being a part of their local communities and see daily many acts of great kindness that make a big difference to individuals.”
Vanessa Collier, Community Development Manager at Curo, added: “Curo is delighted to be a partner in recognising the outstanding work of individuals and groups volunteering their time and expertise out in our local communities across Bath & North East Somerset, we should be extremely proud and honoured of each and every one who is nominated.”
Peter Lambert, Chair of the Student Community Partnership said: “The Chair’s awards are an excellent initiative that rewards contributions to the local community. The recipients are an inspiring example to others and should be proud of their achievements.”
Full details and nomination forms are available online at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/communityawards
Alternatively, you can email [email protected], call 01225 396594 or write to The Chair’s Office, Bath & North East Somerset Council, The Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 1st December, 2017.
