The search for North Yorkshire’s unsung heroes is under way to claim prestigious awards celebrating those who make a difference in their community as new categories have been launched for this year’s ceremony.
We have opened nominations for the annual Community Awards which recognise organisations and individual volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to improving lives.
This year sees the introduction of two new categories. The first, wellbeing and community connection, recognises organisations or groups who support people in their communities to feel healthier, more connected and included, and the importance of physical and mental wellbeing.
The second, inclusive communities, recognises organisations or groups who bring people together and help them flourish. This could include breaking technological barriers to help people access services or remove physical barriers to take part in activities.
The commitment to the community category remains for another year, which recognises individual volunteers who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and exceptional service to our community.
Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “The Community Awards are a fantastic way of honouring the everyday heroes who improve the lives of residents in so many aspects.
“Every year, we hear inspiring stories from those who send in nominations, spanning our urban and rural areas, and from differing backgrounds.
“We want to keep our categories fresh to shine a spotlight on relevant topics. This time we are showcasing the importance of wellbeing and inclusivity among communities, and we want as many people as possible to nominate local champions.”
Last year, the Malton Free Fridge project won the collaborative spirit category, where unpaid volunteers collect food six days a week that would otherwise be wasted from local businesses, supermarkets, gardens and allotments, and distribute it to any taker.
They collaborate with the Wesley Centre, which provides support and a venue for the sorting and distributing of food supplies.
The chair and founder of Malton Free Fridge, Lindsay Wrightson, said: “The award gave our volunteers more confidence in what they are doing and an increased look at the wider community they serve, therefore opening their eyes to more possibilities.”
The winner of last year’s community impact category was Share Skipton. Its members run a library of things where people can lend useful items such as leaf blowers, sewing machines, hoovers and power tools at a low cost.
They also run a repair café where people can get broken or damaged items fixed by expert volunteers for free.
The project coordinator of Share Skipton, Jill Coupe, said: “After being nominated, the team was both surprised and thrilled to be selected as the winner.
“It celebrates the incredible efforts of our dedicated volunteers, as well as the growing number of residents embracing our services to share, reuse, mend, and learn.
“This award has helped raise awareness of Share Skipton. It has been an amazing year, and we are very grateful to North Yorkshire Council for their support.”
The founder and chair of the trustees at Share Skipton, Angela Monaghan, added: “In a time of rising costs and climate urgency, we are offering practical solutions that bring people together and prove that sustainable living and stronger communities go hand in hand.
“The recognition marks a significant milestone for the organisation and highlights the positive impact of grassroots community initiatives in addressing both environmental and social challenges.”
The closing date for nominations is 5 July. Nomination forms can be completed online.
Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony at the North Yorkshire Wider Partnership Conference at the Pavilions of Harrogate, North Yorkshire Showground, on 16 October.
The winner of each category will receive £1,000 for the project, group or nominated relevant local charity in the case of the volunteer awards. Two runners-up in each category will receive £250. Each finalist will receive a trophy and a framed certificate.