Celebrating Community Kindness: Nominations Open for the 2026 Make a Difference Awards
Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Make a Difference Awards, an initiative spearheaded by BBC Radio Merseyside. These awards shine a light on individuals and groups who demonstrate extraordinary kindness and service within their communities. It’s a call to action for everyone to recognize those unsung heroes making a tangible impact.
A Nationwide Movement
The Make a Difference Awards are not just a local event; they are part of a broader national campaign that includes 38 BBC radio stations across England and extends to BBC Radio Scotland, Radio Wales, and Radio Cymru. This collaboration amplifies the voices of community champions, showcasing their stories on a grander stage.
Spotlight on Extraordinary Stories
Ben Anderson, the editor at BBC Radio Merseyside, highlights the unique opportunity these awards provide. For instance, last year’s nominees, Team Oasis from Dingle, had their inspiring tale broadcast to millions on The One Show. Anderson notes, “The Make a Difference Awards are very special because they help us to tell the stories of incredible people.”
The Nomination Process
Nominations for the awards will be accepted until 5 PM on March 31. Individuals can submit nominations through the BBC website, encouraging all to take a moment and recognize those who have gone the extra mile for others. In 2022, these awards began with great success, honoring thousands of nominees, and last year alone saw over 12,500 submissions.
Diverse Categories
The awards offer multiple categories to ensure a wide array of contributions are recognized:
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Volunteer Award: Celebrating individuals who make a significant difference through their time and dedication.
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Community Group Award: Honors groups that work collectively to transform the lives of those in their vicinity, supported by BBC One’s Morning Live.
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Fundraiser Award: Recognizes those who have shown exceptional dedication to raising funds for good causes.
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Young Hero Award: For children or groups under 16 who have made a notable positive impact in their communities.
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Great Neighbour Award: Celebrating those individuals whose kindness improves the lives of those in their surroundings.
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Active Award: Recognizes contributions through sports or physical activity that benefit the community.
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Environmental Award: Honors efforts to conserve or enhance local environments.
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Animal Award: Recognizes remarkable animals or advocates for animal welfare.
Event Highlights and Recognition
Winners of the Make a Difference Awards will be revealed in September during ceremonies hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside, where heartfelt stories and achievements will be celebrated. Each category not only acknowledges individual contributions but also weaves a narrative of community spirit and resilience.
The Essence of Community
At its core, the Make a Difference Awards reflect the essence of community—reminding us of the significant impacts of small, everyday acts of kindness. These awards encourage listeners and all community members to nominate those who deserve recognition for their exceptional contributions.
For more details about the categories and the nomination process, one can visit the official site at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference. These awards celebrate, uplift, and inspire, reinforcing the collective belief that every act of kindness can ripple out and foster a more connected, caring society.
