Nominate your B&NES community champions

The search is on to find unsung heroes in Bath and North East Somerset with the launch of the council’s awards celebrating volunteers, community leaders, staff and businesses that make a positive contribution to the community. Nominations are now open for the Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Community Awards 2018/19 looking for inspirational people who put others first and contribute to the council’s vision to make B&NES an even better place to live, work and visit. There are three main categories – volunteering, business and service to the community which is a new category recognising the exceptional service made by individuals and teams working across the Chair’s Award partner organisations of B&NES Clinical Commissioning Group, Curo, Sirona Care and Health, B&NES Virgin Care and the Student Community Partnership (SCP) and Bath College. B&NES Council chair, Councillor Karen Walker, said at the launch at the Guildhall on August 3: “On a daily basis I meet people who do so much for our community and their work often goes unsung. The community awards are an annual celebration to recognise those people, and organisations, who are dedicated and committed to helping others and make our area a better place. “I would encourage people to nominate those around them who they think deserve recognition for their hard work and contribution to their communities.” In addition to the awards the chair may also identify one or more individuals or groups from the nominations received to present a ‘special award.’ Barbara Owen, director of human resources at Bath College, said: “At Bath College we pride ourselves on our sense of community and actively encourage our students to contribute, both on our college campuses and across Bath and North East Somerset. We are very much looking forward to recognising those who share these values at the Community Awards.” Chair of the Student Community Partnership, pro-vice chancellor Peter Lambert at the University of Bath, said: “The Student Community Partnership is proud to support the chair’s community awards which recognise outstanding contributions to the local community. The winners are an inspiring example to us all.” Nomination forms must be returned by Friday, December 21. For more information and how to nominate, go to www.bathnes.gov. uk/communityawards or email: community_awards@bathnes.gov.