Nominations for The Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Community Awards have officially opened.

The awards recognise volunteers, community leaders, community organisations, carers and local businesses for the positive impact they make on others and the wider community.

Council Chair, Cllr Cherry Beath, may identify one or more individuals or groups from the nominations received to present a ‘Special Award’.

Cllr Beath said: “I am delighted to promote these important awards. From the nominations I will then identify one or more individuals or groups to receive an award.

“I am grateful to the organisations working with me, including The Volunteer Centre, Bath and beyond, social housing provider Curo, the Student Community Partnership (universities in Bath), and Sirona care & health, and we welcome Virgin Care as a new Partner for this year’s awards. There are so many outstanding groups and individuals working in our Community, and they are all to be applauded.”

The awards are as follows:

Category 1 – Volunteering Awards:

· Volunteer of the Year / Young Volunteer of the Year

· Volunteer Leader of the Year / Young Volunteer Leader of the Year

· Volunteer Team or Organisation of the Year / Young Volunteer Team or Organisation of the Year

· Good Neighbour of the Year / Neighbourhood Team of the Year / Young Neighbour or Young Neighbourhood Team of the Year

· Carer of the Year / Young Carer of the Year

· The Peter Duppa-Miller Lifetime Achievement

Category 2 – Business in the Community Award:

This award will recognise a socially responsible business which actively supports its local community in positive activities.

The Chair may also identify one or more individuals or groups from the nominations received to present a ‘Special Award’.

Julie Thallon, Interim Managing Director at Virgin Care, said: “We are delighted to be a partner for the Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Chair’s Community Awards, in recognition of the invaluable contribution that volunteers and community champions make in improving and developing their local communities.”

Mike Plows of the Volunteer Centre said: “Being a part of the Awards again this year is a great honour. We have so many inspirational people in our community that give up their time to help and support others, it is a wonderful opportunity to recognise their efforts, talents and commitment.”

Simon Knighton, Chairman of Sirona care & health, said: “We are delighted to continue our association with these Awards, which recognise some of the fantastic work going on in our communities. Our services in Bath and North East Somerset – Residential Homes, extra care schemes and our Community Equipment service – benefit hugely from being a part of their local communities and see daily many acts of great kindness that make a big difference to individuals.”

Nomination forms are available online at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/chairmanawards

Alternatively, you can email: [email protected], call: 01225 396594, or write to The Chair’s Office, Bath & North East Somerset Council, The Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, 1st December, 2017.