BBCThis year’s BBC Make a Difference Awards have been launched across the UK.
The annual initiative is a chance to recognise and celebrate members of the public who make life better for others where they live.
It has previously been held by BBC local radio stations across England but, for the first time, the awards will now span the entire UK with nominations also open in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Winners will be announced at ceremonies hosted by BBC local and national radio stations in September.
One of 2024’s winners, Jim Dyne, a co-founder of the Parky Blinders project, said the awards have led to “lots more people joining us”.
The Cornish project won a community group award for its work to help people living with Parkinson’s disease stay active through boxing workouts.
Jim said: “Winning the Make a Difference Award has really helped us push forward and spread our message that we can help.
“Lots more people have joined us and, in partnership with England boxing and Parkinson’s UK, we have started delivering training in boxing clubs around the country to help coaches work with people living with Parkinson’s disease.
“We are now in the process of registering as a community interest company to be able to run more sessions and introduce other sports.”
Jay Popat won a great neighbour award last year after trying to save the life of a young boy who lived next door by administering CPR.
He has since started up an inclusive sports programme and planted a tree in the National Forest in Donavon’s memory.
Jay said: “Being nominated and winning a Make a Difference Award has to be one of the proudest moments of my life, especially when I think of the circumstances that led to it.
“The award helped me come to terms with the loss of Donavon and inspired me to push forward with my plans to start up an inclusive sports programme.
“We have since held a wheelchair basketball competition for primary schools across Leicestershire and are working on plans to start a wheelchair rugby league too”.
Ten-year-old Shyla Brown received a fundraiser award last year for completing a marathon and a 100-mile cycle ride to raise money for her best friend Harrison after he began losing his sight.
After receiving her award, she was invited to attend the Princess of Wales’ carol concert at Christmas.
Shyla said: “I was so excited to win a Make a Difference Award.
“Since winning, I was invited to go to the Princess of Wales’ Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey and got to sit seven rows behind her.
“I also spoke to Perrie Edwards from Little Mix about the award which was amazing.”
This year’s categories include:
- Volunteer Award: For an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others
- Young Hero Award: Given to someone aged under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional
- Great Neighbour Award: Presented to a person who helps to make their neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness
- Active Award: For an individual or group who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community
- Animal Award: Either bestowed on a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or given to an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals
- Green Award: For an individual or group who improve or conserve their local environment
- Fundraiser Award: Open to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause
- Presented to a group that has helped to change the lives of others within their community. This award is supported by the BBC show Morning Live.
Rhodri Talfan Davies, the BBC’s Director of Nations, said: “For the first time, BBC Make a Difference will celebrate the achievements of community heroes right across the UK – inspirational individuals and teams who go the extra mile to strengthen our villages, towns and cities.
“It’s a wonderful celebration of the human spirit and I can’t wait to hear the remarkable stories of those nominated.”
To nominate go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see the full Terms and our Privacy Notice.
Nominations will close on Monday 31 March at 17:00 BST.
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