[Photo: Back row L-R: George Clutten, Town Clerk at Radstock Town Council; Toni Green, Project Manager at 3SG; Ghika Savva, Student Community Partnership Manager. Front row L-R: Rod Dixon, Beryl Dixon’s son, Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall, Council Chair; Andrew Donavon, Partnership Manager at Everyone Health]
It’s time to say ‘thank you’ as nominations open for the Bath and North East Somerset Community Awards.
Do you know someone or some support animal who you think has gone above and beyond to support their community?
Nominations have opened for the annual awards, which celebrate volunteers, charities, and organisations that make a real difference to people’s lives.
Now in their 17th year, the awards recognise community champions who promote equality, inspire others to get involved, and provide outstanding support to residents.
This year there are exciting new categories for Support Animal of the Year working for an organisation, and a special lifetime achievement award for those who have left a lasting legacy in their community.
The categories for the 2026/2027 awards are:
- The Beryl Dixon Community Leader of the Year Award for outstanding leadership that advances equality
- The Jenny Willson Volunteer of the Year Award for volunteers who also motivate others
- The Sara Banks Young Volunteer of the Year Award for an exceptional young person aged up to 25 years
- The Peter Duppa-Miller Parish Award for the contribution that parishes make in their local communities
- Charity of the Year Award for outstanding services to support residents
- The Support Animal of the Year Award for an exceptional animal supporting individuals through a community organisation
- The Chair’s Special Lifetime Achievement Award for an individual or group who has dedicated many years to improving people’s lives
A public vote will take place for the Charity of the Year Award and the Support Animal of the Year Award.
Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall, Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Every community has people who quietly make an extraordinary difference to the people around them and make Bath and North East Somerset a better place to live. We need you to tell us about them.
“This year the new Special Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates people whose dedication has made a lasting difference. We’re also delighted to launch the Support Animal of the Year category to recognise incredible animals that improve lives. I can’t wait to see your nominations come in for all the categories.”
The Community Awards partners are:
- The B&NES Third Sector Group (3SG)
- B&NES Avon Local Council Association
- Black and Ethnic Minority Senior Citizen Association (BEMSCA)
- Everyone Health
- The Student Community Partnership (SCP)
Becky Somerset, Chief Executive Officer at 3SG, said: “The strength of our communities is built on the commitment, compassion and energy of local people and organisations who go above and beyond to make a difference. The Community Awards are an opportunity to celebrate those achievements, recognise unsung heroes, and inspire others to get involved. As a champion of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector, 3SG is delighted to support these awards and help showcase the incredible impact happening across our area every day.”
Nominations can be submitted until midnight on November 29 via the council website, by requesting a paper nomination form from the Community Engagement Team by emailing connecting_communities@bathnes.gov.uk, or by calling 01225 396975. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on February 22, 2027.
Anyone interested in becoming a local volunteer can join 3SG’s Annual Volunteer Fair on October 22 at Bath Abbey, or visit Everyone Health’s Simply Connect service to find a role.
