The search is on to find unsung heroes in Bath & North East Somerset, with the launch of special awards celebrating volunteers, community leaders, staff and businesses that make a positive contribution to the local community.

The Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Community Awards 2018/19 was officially launched last Friday at the Guildhall, Bath, by Council Chair, Councillor Karen Walker.

Nominations are now open for inspirational people who put others first and contribute to the council’s vision to make Bath & North East Somerset an even better place to live, work and visit.

The awards are organised in partnership with B&NES Clinical Commissioning Group, Cero, Sirona Care and Health, B&NES Virgin Care and the Student Community Partnership and Bath College.

There are three main categories in the Community Awards: Volunteering, Business and Service to the Community. Service to the Community is a new category and it recognises the exceptional service made by individuals and teams working across the Chair’s Award partner organisations.

B&NES Council Chair, Cllr Karen Walker, said: “On a daily basis I meet people who do so much for our community, and their work often goes unsung. The Community Awards are an annual celebration, recognising those people and organisations, who are dedicated and committed to helping others and making our area a better place.

“This year, we have introduced a new category called Service to the Community, which recognises partnership working and staff who share their good work.

“I would encourage people to nominate those around them who they think deserve recognition for their hard work and contribution to their communities.”

In addition to the awards, the Chair may also identify one or more individuals or groups from the nominations received to present a Special Award.

Residents, staff, councillors, businesses, organisations and groups, teachers, and volunteers from Bath and North East Somerset can nominate people, and nomination forms must be returned by no later than Friday, 21st December.

You can nominate online or send a nomination form email or post, clearly marked ‘The Community Awards 2018/19’.

Everyone nominated for an award will be presented with a certificate in recognition of their contribution. The winners of each category will receive a certificate and an award presented by the Chair of the Council at a ceremony on Wednesday, 27th February 2019 in the Banqueting Room, at the Guildhall.

For more information and how to nominate, visit: www.bathnes.gov.uk/CommunityAwards or email: [email protected]