COUNCIL SEEKS NOMINEES FOR COMMUNITY AWARDS 2010

These awards are designed to honour individuals of oustanding merit who have gone that extra mile to help others, and the Council wants to hear from you if you know someone who merits an award.

Perhaps they are someone who displayed remarkable courage, a local champion who improved facilities in your area, a tireless charity fundraiser, a community activist who has helped promote good relations or a young person who has made an outstanding contribution to their community or school?

To ensure that individuals from all walks of life and all parts of the district are recognised at these awards, nominations are being sought across eleven categories.

They include Youth Initiatives; Young Person of the Year (aged 16 and under); Protecting, Promoting and Enhancing our Heritage and Environment; Making Communities Safer; Encouraging Healthier Lifestyles; Promoting Equality and Good Relations; Arts and Entertainment; Outstanding Bravery; Fundraiser of the Year; Lifetime Achievement; and Voluntary Community Work. The judges may also make a discretionary Outstanding Achievement of the Year award.

Nominations are invited from all sections of the community. Nomination forms are available from several Council facilities including the Civic Building, F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio, Banbridge Leisure Centre, Dromore Community Centre and Rathfriland Community Centre. It can also be downloaded at www.banbridge.gov.uk Alternatively, you can request a nomination form from the Council's Community and Enterprise Services Department on 4066 0605.

The closing date for receiving nominations is 4pm on Friday 8 October 2010. Nominations received after this date cannot be considered.

Speaking about the awards, Council Chairman Jim McElroy, said: "There is so much good work being undertaken by individuals in the community which often goes unnoticed. These awards will in some way recognise the special work that these unsung heroes and heroines do in helping to make the Banbridge District a better place in which to live. Many of us will know an individual who has made a big difference – so this is an ideal opportunity to acknowledge their selfless work and to officially thank them for their hard work and commitment to others."

Council Head of Community Services, Pamela Matthews, added: "We held a similar awards event two years ago and received a considerable number of nominations across seven categories. This time we would like to receive an even greater number of nominations. I would encourage everyone to think about who has made a positive impact in their community. By making a nomination you are publicly thanking those who deserve recognition for what they have achieved."

Information about the qualifying criteria for nominees is stated on the nomination form. All nominations will be will be considered by an awards committee.

All nominees will be invited to attend a gala awards ceremony in the Belmont Hotel on Tuesday 2 November 2010 where the results will be announced.

The criteria for making a nomination to any category are as follows:

1. Applicants must be nominated by another person.

2. An individual may submit a maximum of three nominations but can only nominate one person for one award.

3. Applicants must have a permanent home or work address in the Banbridge District for at least twelve months preceding submission of the nomination.

4. All applicants must have undertaken the work for which they are being nominated in a voluntary capacity, except for nominations to the 'Outstanding Bravery' category.

5. All applicants are required to have a minimum of three years involvement in the activity for which they are being nominated. However, this is not a requirement for the categories 'Outstanding Bravery' and 'Young Person of the Year'. A minimum of one year's voluntary service is required for the 'Young Person of the Year' category.

6. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if they have won a Community/Civic Award at a previous ceremony organised by Banbridge District Council.

Award Categories:

Youth Initiatives

To recognise an individual who has worked for the benefit of young people in the district. Examples include running a youth club, lobbying for youth facilities or helping young people reach their full potential.

Young Person of the Year

To recognise a young person aged 16 (by the closing date of Friday 8th October 2010) or under who has made an outstanding contribution to their local school or community. Examples include undertaking voluntary work, supporting or mentoring others, care and dedication shown to another individual such as an elderly and disadvantaged person.

Protecting, Promoting and Enhancing Our Heritage and Environment

To recognise an individual who has made a significant contribution to protecting, promoting or enhancing the district's heritage and environment. Examples include organising activities such as a litter pick or planting trees and flowers.

Making Communities Safer

To recognise an individual who has contributed significantly to making their neighbourhood a safer place in which to live. Examples include organising a neighbourhood watch scheme, looking out for vulnerable groups within the community or organising intergenerational projects aimed at reducing prejudices between young and old.

Encourging Healthier Lifestyles

To recognise an individual who actively encourages young and old alike to participate in any activity that contributes to a healthier lifestyle. Examples include organising recreational activities such as keep fit, swimming and walking, promoting healthy eating or encouraging community gardens.

Promoting Equality and Good Relations

To recognise an individual who has actively promoted equality and good relations activity. Examples include encouraging anti racism or anti sectarianism projects and supporting cross-border work with communities from a different background.

Arts and Entertainment

To recognise an individual who has made a significant contribution to the local arts and entertainment sector. Examples include setting up an arts group, putting on a production in the district, improving access to the arts or running a local talent show.

Outstanding Bravery

To recognise an individual who has put themselves at risk or in danger to help or save the life of another.

Fundraiser of the Year

To recognise a tireless charity fundraiser of any age - someone who has shown real commitment to raising money for good causes.

Lifetime Achievement

To recognise an individual whose achievements have been far-reaching over a significant period of time.

Voluntary Community Work

To recognise an individual who has undertaken voluntary work to improve the quality of life of people in the community.

Outstanding Achievement of the Year (discretionary)

To recognise an individual who the judging panel consider to be exemplar in the difference they have made to the community.