Nominate unsung heroes for a Provost award

Nominations are now open for awards honouring unsung heroes across Monklands.

Residents are being asked to put forward individuals or groups who are “deserving of recognition for the outstanding efforts they make to help change and improve the lives of others” for the Provost’s citizenship awards.

Provost Jean Jones explained: “Throughout the health pandemic, we have really seen community groups and individuals step up to help others in our towns and villages.

“There are so many individuals and groups making exceptional contributions, but often they don’t get the praise they deserve . Through these awards, we want to change that and let them know how valued they are.

“We want people to nominate those unsung heroes and organisations and tell us about the fantastic work they are doing in our communities, through volunteering, charitable work, sporting contributions, community projects or anything else which makes a positive contributions to the lives of others.”

Nominees should live, work or attend school or college in North Lanarkshire, and submissions can be made via the council’s website until July 16. Provost Jones will then judge the entries alongside council chief executive Des Murray and elected members from all parties.

The inaugural six winners from the delayed 2020 awards included St Andrew’s first aid stalwart Ian Cuthbertson, who also volunteers for St Andrew’s Hospice; Playpeace founder Nichola Brown, who runs holiday projects in Airdrie, Motherwell and Bellshill for children with complex needs, and dedicated foster carers Thomas and Mary Rattray.

Awards also went to Community Action Newarthill, the Health and Wellness Hub in Motherwell, and North Lanarkshire Carers Together.

On the lookout Provost Jones wants to hear about the “fantastic work” people are doing in their communities