South Kesteven District Council’s popular SK Community Awards are back for 2024 - offering the chance to turn the spotlight on some very special people.
The awards recognise and reward people in different communities for their good work, often unsung and with no expectation of praise.
Last year’s award winners represented the best of the best; an ex-soldier volunteering in a warzone, tireless fundraising, unstinting community effort, village volunteers and a young boy with a heart of gold were all rewarded at a prizegiving awards night at Bourne Corn Exchange.
Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet member for Communities and People said: ”Since we started our SK Community Awards three years ago we have recognised some truly remarkable people.
“It’s a rare opportunity to highlight people who do not seek public praise, although they deserve it. Now we want to do it all again”.
Nominations are now open, with a closing date of 20 September.
A person or organisation can be nominated for more than one award. Judging will take place in October with winners announced at a celebratory awards night in November. Categories are:
Inspirational Young Person
We’re looking for a young person pioneering or supporting an activity or project making a difference in their local community. Countless young people support projects and people within their communities and get no recognition for their efforts. Nominations are confined to people aged up to 25 years.
Community Contribution by Business
Do you know a business actively benefitting their local community? Perhaps it donates unsold food, or works to make the local area smarter, safer, healthier or more sustainable. Is there a business in your area that sponsors a local football club for example? Nominations are encouraged for all sizes of businesses that operate locally.
The Judy Smith Lifetime Community Champion
This award honours a popular former councillor who worked tirelessly for her community. We have had some amazing people nominated for this award and we are again looking to celebrate an individual who has contributed a huge amount of their time and effort to a club, group, charity or organisation.
The Neil Smith Beyond the Call of Duty Award
This acknowledges the work of our blue-light services, presented in remembrance of our late colleague Neil Smith who saved his infant son’s life by administering CPR. Nominate a community police officer, paramedic or ambulance crew, fire officer, a volunteer first responder or doctor.
Community in Bloom Award
Our towns and villages are a huge asset to the district but who keeps them looking so lovely, putting in time and effort? We want to recognise residents’ commitment to planting and neatness. Send supporting photos to communityengagement@southkesteven.gov.uk .
The online nomination form can be found here.
Please get in touch with the Community Engagement Team if you’re not able to complete the form online and need a paper copy on 01476 406 161.