Stephen Morgan MP is encouraging Portsmouth residents to nominate community heroes for this year’s BBC Radio Solent’s ‘Make A Difference Awards’, as part of a new award scheme being run by every local BBC radio station in England.
‘Make A Difference’ was first set up at the start of the first pandemic lockdown and is a virtual notice board for those offering help and those needing support. To date over 8 million people have interacted across all 39 local BBC radio stations.
Categories cover the unsung heroes of every community from great neighbours, inspirational teachers, awesome volunteers or even outstanding key workers.
There are eight award categories (listed below), nominations are now open and will close on the 29 April 2022 at 11pm.
The categories are:
- Volunteer Awarded to an individual who makes a real difference to the community by giving up their time voluntarily to help out a charity or good cause.
- Community Group
Awarded to a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within the community,
- Fundraiser
Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a charity or good cause.
- Carer
Awarded to someone who improves the life of an individual or group of people by caring for them on a regular basis.
- Great Neighbour
Awarded to an individual or group of people who help to make the neighbourhood or local community a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.
- Key Worker
Awarded to a key worker who’s gone above and beyond their call of duty to help others.
- Environmental Award
Awarded to an individual or group of people who help to make where we live more environmentally friendly.
- The Together Award
Awarded to an individual or group of people who create real change by breaking down barriers and bringing together people from different walks of life for a common cause.
The winners will be announced at our Make a Difference awards hosted by BBC Radio Solent at a ceremony on September 20th at Portsmouth Guildhall.
The Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan MP, said:
“After an unprecedented two years of challenges for communities across Portsmouth and our region, it’s important we recognise those who went above and beyond for their local areas during such as difficult period.
“That’s why I’m calling on everyone in our city to get involved in BBC Radio Solent’s ‘Make a Difference Awards’.
“From unsung community heroes and volunteers, to our fantastic teachers and frontline workers, there’s a wide range of categories to choose from.
“Nominations close in a few days’ time, so make sure to get them in soon!”
Chris Burns, Head of Audio and Digital for BBC England, also said:
“The last two years have been challenging for everyone. Listeners have contacted us to share the stories of how people have helped each other, and we wanted to find a way of celebrating those unsung heroes and telling those amazing stories.”
