Heroes will shine at our awards presentations

Whether it is a community-minded volunteer, an avid fundraiser or an individual who is simply inspirational, we all know someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Last years Herald and Gazette Community Stars award presentations DM15229241aLast years Herald and Gazette Community Stars award presentations DM15229241a
Last years Herald and Gazette Community Stars award presentations DM15229241a

And now is the chance to let them shine as the Herald and Gazette series launches this year’s Community Stars Awards.

“We are asking you, our fantastic readers to nominate those unsung heroes and deserving people or groups who you think deserve recognition for the valuable contribution they play in our community,” said community content deputy editor Kelly Brown.

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“It could be someone who has inspired you by overcoming a personal hurdle or it could be a long-serving volunteer whose actions have made a huge difference to our area.”

Last year, we introduced four main categories for the awards – youth awards, charity awards, community awards and heroes in our community – which all recognise different parts of our community.

In each category, there are three awards given, with readers invited to nominate people or groups they think deserve the honour.

These awards remain the same this year, except the 999 Award in the heroes in our community category, which has been replaced with a new Carer in the Community Award, giving you the chance to nominate any individual or team that goes beyond the call of duty in a caring role. This can include members of the emergency services, of course, but now gives a wider range of people the opportunity to be recognised.

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It should also be noted that the Animal Heroes category is for people who care for furry or feathered friends, not for the actual animals.

Kelly said: “Our youth categories really celebrate the best of our young people and youth groups in the area.

“The charity awards recognise the fundraisers, volunteers and the charities themselves while the community awards celebrate the real contribution individuals make every day.

“We also have a special heroes in the community category which puts the focus on a wide range of carers, our community health heroes and those who look after animals and make a real difference to us all as part of their every day lives.” The Herald Award for Special Achievement is awarded to a person chosen by our staff from all the other nominations received, so nominations cannot be taken for this category itself.

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Readers have until October to put forward their nominations, after which we will print a shortlist and our Herald and Gazette readers will cast their votes and choose the winners, with the papers choosing an additional winner from the nominees for our special achievement award. The winners will then be announced at a special awards ceremony at Worthing College.

“We are delighted that once again we have the support of our sponsors, without whom the awards would not be possible, with Guild Care our principal sponsor,” added Kelly.

“It is great to see there are so many businesses who feel the way we do about our community heroes, so we thank them very much for their support.”

If you would like to nominate someone, email [email protected] with their details, which category and why you think they should receive a Community Stars Award.

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