Categories
Future Star Award
This award recognises a young person aged 21 or under who has shown progression and growth in the last 12 months with the potential to achieve greatness in the future. Their achievement or potential can be in any discipline or field such as sport, education, business or personal growth.
Special Recognition Award
Chosen by Express & Star Editor-in-Chief, this award will be given to an individual or group deserving of special recognition within the local community.
Child of Courage Award
This award recognises a young person aged 18 or under who has shown incredible courage and determination in the last 12 months to overcome a personal challenge. This achievement could be something they have done for themselves, their family, school or local community.
Community Champion Award
This is an individual or group who has served, inspired or performed wonderfully as they have given something back to their community over the course of the year. They go the extra mile for the benefit of their community, putting it on the map and helping it to flourish. They are at the heart of their local community.
Young Star Award
This award celebrates a young person who has gone above and beyond in achieving their goals in the past 12 months. This could be anything from being an inspiration to others by dedicating time and effort to help people to being a leading light in their sport or hobby. This person may have faced adversity through an accident or illness and has come out stronger the other side. This is the chance to recognise their efforts.
Wellbeing and Mental Health Champion
This award recognises an individual or group that has positively impacted mental health and wellbeing in their community. They will have shown and demonstrated a high level of dedication to mental health and wellbeing and will be considered a positive role model who has improved the lives of others.
Volunteer of the Year Award
This award is for someone who regularly puts others before themselves; someone who is generous with their time to support an individual or group. This may be a member of society who tirelessly works to raise money for a good cause. Some people dedicate their lives to helping others this way, and it can go unnoticed, it’s not necessarily about the amount of money raised, more the time given by the individual. This is their chance to be recognised.
NHS Hero Award
This award recognises our key workers and supporters of the NHS. They will have gone above and beyond their usual duties, helping others, putting in time, effort and commitment to make our NHS proud.
Uniform Hero Award
This award celebrates the extraordinary dedication of anyone who wears a uniform in service to our community—regardless of age or rank. We are looking for nominees across all uniformed services, youth organisations, and volunteer groups. This includes our frontline Emergency Services and HM Forces, as well as Cadets, Scouts, Guides, and volunteer responders like St John Ambulance or the RNLI. Whether they are a professional performing life-saving work or a young person showing exceptional leadership and commitment to their training, this award recognises those who go above and beyond. We want to honour the individuals who put in the extra time and heart to make our region a better, safer place.
Outstanding Bravery Award
Awarded to an individual or group of people who has shown outstanding courage, defiance and duty in the face of perceived danger, fear or difficulty.
Fundraiser of the Year Award
Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.
Environmental Champion Award
Awarded to a person or group that dedicates time and energy keeping the local area clean and green e.g. organise litter picks, created a community garden, painted local spaces, up-cycled or encouraged others to recycle, assisting and encouraging wildlife, urban farming.
