Still time to nominate local heroes 

Unsung heroes from across Stafford Borough will be celebrated in a popular annual award, and there’s still time to nominate any worthy Stone candidates.

Now in their fifth year, the Stafford Borough Council ‘Community Awards’ recognise the efforts of local people, businesses, schools and other groups that help to support and improve the community.

The council expects many nominations from the great deeds being carried out throughout the last 12 months during some of the most challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are only two weeks for people to get applications in – with nominations closing on Monday 20 September.

The categories are Local Hero, Community Action, Environmental Improvement and Social Wellbeing. There is also a category to recognise sporting achievements in the borough which was introduced as part of the awards last year.  Nominations are open to all people, groups and organisations operating within the borough with projects that have been running during the last 12 months.

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To find out more about the criteria for each category, and to nominate, go to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/communityawards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Rising Brook Church in November.

Councillor Jeremy Pert, Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said: “This is such a great opportunity to recognise those people within our borough who put others before themselves and help make our area a great place to live, work and visit.

“In the face of another challenging 12 months we have seen great things from many individuals, volunteers, groups and businesses.  I expect the heroics from our community will see many nominations – and the most difficult task will be determining a winner, because they are all deserving of our heartfelt thanks, recognition and respect.”

The awards ceremony last year was held virtually and winners included Fulford Parish Community Action Group who supported more than 400 people with shopping, prescriptions, hospital appointments or making welfare calls.

Councillor Pert added: “Like many events over the previous year our awards ceremony had to be run virtually in 2020 – and it was still amazing to see so many inspirational people and hear about all the selfless work they were doing for the benefit of others.

“Their work often goes unnoticed, so these awards give us the opportunity to pay tribute to them and demonstrate that we value all that they do.”

More information and a full list of 2020 winners from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/communityawards