Neighbourhood awards

One of the very few benefits of the past couple of difficult years is that many of us learned to slow down, enjoy what we have and make the most of where we live. The pandemic transformed our shopping, eating, exercise, work and play – and (perhaps unsurprisingly) not everything has returned to the way it was.

As a result, many high streets have continued to struggle, while our neighbourhoods have often adapted and innovated. Thankfully, more of us are supporting local businesses, organisations and community groups who are doing their best to make their corner of the world a better place.

So, while the aftermath still plays out, we’re launching the Neighbourhood Awards for the second year to celebrate the best and brightest ideas, initiatives and helpful projects that are happening wherever you are in the country.

We hope you’ll join our round of applause for good people doing good things by sending us your nominations. Among last year’s favourites were a pay-what-you-can café, a football club that is changing lives, a tool library and repair café, community rowing, a cookbook for people experiencing homelessness, a community orchard, a micro-bakery and no fewer than 12 zero-waste shops.

Your nominees might be an organisation that helps those who are struggling – with costs of living or with mental health – or a community-run scheme to recycle, reduce waste, repair and even generate power. Maybe it’s a good shopkeeper who goes the extra mile for their customers.

Clever or simple, hyper local or working across a whole district, it could be based in a big city or a small village. This is your opportunity to show your support for those who have helped our neighbourhoods not merely survive but thrive in these trying times.