Nominations are now open for North Yorkshire’s Community Awards which recognise organisations and individuals who make a difference in their local area.
The awards recognise those who help North Yorkshire Council to deliver services and provide social networks that reduce isolation and help people live independently for longer.
The three categories are:
- Community impact – recognising grass roots community groups who have made a positive difference in their community.
- Collaborative spirit – recognising collaborations that have brought together groups to collaborate and build strong relationships to make a lasting impact.
- Commitment to the community – recognising individual volunteers who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and exceptional service to their community for a period of 10 years or more.
The chairman of North Yorkshire Council, Cllr George Jabbour, said: “The Community Awards allow us to step back and recognise the individuals and community groups who improve the lives of many.
“Over the years, winners have included yarn bombers, ukulele teachers, people helping the homeless, and those helping to run their local swimming pool.
“With just over a month to go before nominations close, I would encourage as many people as possible to come forward and nominate unsung heroes on their doorstep.”
The closing date for nominations is August 3. 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.
Last year, the GROW Scarborough initiative won best community project. The founder and chairman, Darren Mancrief, explains how it has raised the profile of the project.
He said: “Winning a Community Award has had a positive impact on GROW Scarborough. It’s a huge honour and brilliant recognition, not just for the project but for all the amazing volunteers who make it happen.
“The award has helped to raise our profile which means we’ve been able to approach funders and potential partners with more confidence.
“The prize money has also made a big difference. We’ve already used it to set up two new seed hubs and to add more educational materials to our community garden. These things help us reach more people and expand what we do.
“Since winning, we’ve seen more engagement from the community. People are more aware of us, and we’ve had more interest in our activities, especially from those who might be feeling isolated or looking for a way to get involved locally.”
Samaritans of Harrogate and district volunteers won the best community group award last year. Fundraising co-ordinator Carol Chapman describes how beneficial the award has been in raising awareness and showing the impact of the service.
She said: “We felt privileged and honoured to win and the impact it had on our volunteers was amazing.
“They are such fantastic people in what they do, and the amount of time and care they give to callers is uplifting and inspirational.
“We have been able to tell our story of being nominated and presented with this award in our presentations to local groups to raise awareness of our service, and it has been very well received.”
Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony in Harrogate on November 21. To read further information on the terms and conditions and eligibility criteria, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/communityawards
