Search begins for teams, schemes and individuals who help the vulnerable
LIFE-SAVING, life-changing, frequently life-enhancing, Scotland would not be the same country without the work of our public services, charities and social businesses.
Over the last year The Herald has reported on the work of welfare advisers and food banks, housing associations and health initiatives, not to mention ground-breaking initiatives in tackling climate change, policing and youth work.
For some of the most vulnerable groups in society, challenges they face have been exacerbated by government austerity policies and cutbacks. That is why it is important to recognise those schemes, teams and individuals who make a real difference, which is what we try to do with the annual Herald Society Awards.
Today we launch the Herald Society Awards 2015, back for their eighth year to highlight the most imaginative and effective work in the public and voluntary sectors over the past 12 months.
There are 13 categories to enter, including a new category, the Legacy 2014 Award, which will look for work which has contributed to a lasting legacy from Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Each year, an expert panel of judges helps us to assess the most committed workers and teams, and the best projects, from the hundreds of entries we receive.
The eventual winners will be recognised at a gala event and dinner on November 4 at Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, hosted by broadcaster Cathy Macdonald.
Other sponsors helping make the event a reality include Glasgow Caledonian University School of Health and Life Sciences who, for the second year running, will be sponsoring our search for 2015’s best Older People’s Project.
Vincent McKay, dean of GCU’s School of Health and Life Sciences, said: “We hope this award will highlight the diverse range of work being done across Scotland to improve the lives or lifestyles of older people as well as inspire others to get involved.”
EVH will also return as a sponsor for the Unsung Hero Award.
Director Eamonn Connolly said: “EVH – Supporting Social Employers has been happily associated with the Herald Society Awards for many years now.
“These awards champion Scotland’s public and third sectors and as we put our support behind the Unsung Hero Award category again this year we look forward to learning of the inspirational stories that lead to the nominations and meeting the heroes behind them who have made such a real difference.”
Firstport will also return as a sponsor of the Social Entrepreneur category.
Jim Sweeney, chief executive of Youthlink Scotland, which sponsors the Young People’s Project of the Year category, said: “As the National Agency for Youth Work we recognise the value and contribution young people make in their communities and look forward to celebrating the achievements they have made in projects throughout Scotland.”
Nominations open today and to enter online, visit www.herald-events.com/ societyawards. For more information, contact Lynn Kelly on 0141 302 7410. Education Initiative of the Year This award will recognise innovative and inspiring work which can demonstrate tangible benefits for learners both in and outside the classroom. Community Project of the Year This award will reward projects which put control in the hands of communities and enable ordinary people to take the lead in changing their circumstances. Health and Social Care Integration Award Launched in 2013, this award category recognises the best examples of innovation and effectiveness in meeting the Government’s health and social care integration agenda. Young People’s Project of the Year (children or young people under the age of 24) Our judges are on the lookout for a team or initiative working with young people which has achieved results that others haven’t managed, perhaps through creative or imaginative approaches. Older People’s Project of the Year (65 plus) This accolade will be awarded to a team or initiative that has achieved results that others haven’t managed to improve the lives or lifestyles of older people, perhaps through unusually creative or imaginative approaches. Environmental Initiative of the Year This category seeks to reward initiatives which have delivered improvements and contributed to sustainability and climate change agenda. Campaigner(s) of the Year To be considered for this award, you will be part of a group or an individual working towards making a positive difference within or outside of the public or voluntary sector: for example to improve services, widen access, reduce inequality. Partnership Award This award will recognise an outstanding example of collaboration in the public and voluntary sector. Entries should describe partnership work which demonstrates the benefits of such an approach for communities or service users. Herald Society Worker of the Year For this category we are looking for an individual whose outstanding drive and commitment has made a difference in improving the lives of people in Scotland. Herald Society Team of the Year This category will reward a team, department or partnerships whose public service values, outstanding drive and commitment have improved the lives of young people in Scotland.
Social Entrepreneur of the Year This award will recognise entrepreneurial individuals who have set up and run a business driven by social aims and objectives. Judges will be looking for individuals with a passion for bringing about change, and the leadership skills to do it, and a business with clear goals and a robust model.
Unsung Hero Award This award will be given to the individual who in the judge’s opinion best fits the definition of “unsung” hero or heroine. Nominations can be for members of the community, or people working in the public or voluntary sector in Scotland.
The Legacy 2014 Award The judges will be looking for a team or initiative in Scotland that has contributed to a lasting legacy for Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games by helping Scots be more active, making communities more sustainable, or strengthening learning and culture.