North Yorkshire Council has launched its annual search for the county’s unsung heroes as nominations open for the 2026 Community Awards. The ceremony celebrates the selfless dedication of volunteers and organisations working to improve local lives, with winners set to receive £1,000 for their respective projects or charities.
This year’s awards feature two new categories designed to reflect current community priorities. The Wellbeing and Community Connection award will honour groups that help residents feel healthier and more included, while the Inclusive Communities category recognises those breaking down technological or physical barriers to help people flourish. The individual Commitment to the Community category also returns to celebrate long-standing personal service.
The leader of North Yorkshire Council, Cllr Carl Les, said: “The Community Awards are a fantastic way of honouring the everyday heroes who improve the lives of residents in so many aspects. Every year, we hear inspiring stories from those who send in nominations, spanning our urban and rural areas, and from differing backgrounds. We want to keep our categories fresh to shine a spotlight on relevant topics.”
Previous winners have seen significant benefits from the recognition. Last year, the Malton Free Fridge won the Collaborative Spirit category for its work distributing surplus food.
The chair and founder of Malton Free Fridge, Lindsay Wrightson, said: “The award gave our volunteers more confidence in what they are doing and an increased look at the wider community they serve, therefore opening their eyes to more possibilities.”
The 2025 Community Impact winner was Share Skipton, which operates a “library of things” and a repair café. Project coordinator Jill Coupe said: “It celebrates the incredible efforts of our dedicated volunteers, as well as the growing number of residents embracing our services to share, reuse, mend, and learn.”
The closing date for nominations is July 5th, and the ceremony will take place at the Pavilions of Harrogate on October 16. In each category, the winner receives £1,000, while two runners-up each receive £250.
Visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/communityawards to complete a nomination form.
