Our Community Awards are back!

We’re launching our annual search for the selfless, unsung heroes who go that extra mile to make a real difference in their community.

Our Blaby District Council Community Awards 2025 are now open and we’re encouraging you to nominate the local volunteers or groups who work tirelessly to support others.

Nominations close on Sunday 9 November and all the details can be found here: Community Awards 2025.

The awards celebrate and reward people who give their time freely to good causes, whether that’s volunteering at a charity, sports club, community group or simply being a good neighbour.

This year we have a new category – Sport and Physical Activity Volunteer of the Year – courtesy of our lead sponsor, Everyone Active.

This joins our usual categories, Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year and Community Group of the Year.

A judging panel will decide the winners and runners-up in the individual categories while the Community Group of the Year will be selected by public vote.

The results will be announced at a special celebratory event next year. Thanks to our generous sponsors, winners in the volunteer categories will each receive £100 and runners-up £50, as well as being able to nominate a local charitable organisation to receive a cash donation.

Our Community Group of the Year will receive £1,000 and the runner-up organisation will win £500.

Last year’s Volunteer of the Year, Tanya Smith, a longtime volunteer at Cruse Bereavement, said: “It was a big surprise to be awarded Volunteer of the Year 2024, so I was taken aback at first. When I gave it more thought I have been very proud and honoured to be recognised in this way though I did not expect it as Cruse Bereavement volunteers keep a low profile generally.

“I have been spurred on to continue to volunteer and think that this is beneficial on a personal level in so many ways. So, my thanks to Blaby District Council.

“It was an inspiring 'reward ceremony’ event as so many different volunteers of all ages were recognised as working so positively across the community. Often such work goes on quietly below the radar but provides so much help.”

Councillor Nick Chapman, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Community, said: “There are so many groups and individuals out there who are passionate about supporting others and yet whose efforts may go overlooked. We’re urging everyone across the District to help us recognise these amazing people. Get nominating and help us give these unsung heroes the appreciation they deserve.”

Councillor Nick Chapman
Portfolio Holder for Community