Annual awards which recognise people who make life better for others in their community have been launched for 2024 by Bath & North East Somerset Council and its partners.
Nominations are now open for the Community Awards which acknowledge volunteers, carers, charities, or employees who make exceptional contributions to their communities.
The awards were officially launched at the 3SG Volunteer Fair in Bath on the 18th of October.
This year’s awards have nine categories, with three of those to be decided by public vote:
- The Beryl Dixon Community Leader of the Year for exceptional leadership within the charitable sector
- The Willson Volunteer of the Year Award for volunteers
- Young Volunteer of the Year for young volunteers
- Carer of the Year for individuals who go beyond in caring for children and adults who live in Bath and North East Somerset
- Young Carer of the Year for individuals who go beyond in caring for children and adults who live in Bath and North East Somerset
- The Peter Duppa-Miller Parish Award for commitment and service provided by town or parish councillors
- Charity of the Year for organisations in Bath and North East Somerset that provide outstanding services to support residents, decided by public vote
- Volunteer Team of the Year decided by public vote
- Young Volunteer Team of the Year decided by public vote
Nominations can be made on the council website and close on December 31. The public vote for the three organisation and team awards will open in January.
Councillor Karen Walker, Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Our community is fortunate to have thousands of volunteers who give their time freely to support others. The Community Awards showcase this amazing work and highlight the strength of the community spirit there is in Bath and North East Somerset. If you know a champion in your community, please nominate them for an award to give them the recognition they deserve.”
The awards will be judged in February 2025 by a panel made up of the council and its partners, with the awards ceremony due to take place in the spring.
The partners in the community awards include:
- The Student Community Partnership (University of Bath, Bath Spa University & Bath College)
- Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizen Association (BEMSCA)
- CURO
- The Third Sector Group (3SG)
- HCRG Care Group
- Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (ICB)
Nomination forms can also be obtained by emailing connecting_communities@bathnes.gov.uk or calling 01225 396975.