Nominations open for 2026 North Yorkshire Community Awards

North Yorkshire Council has opened nominations for its annual Community Awards, which celebrate the organisations and individual volunteers who dedicate their time to improving the lives of others.

The awards scheme recognises the impact of voluntary work across the county, and this year introduces two new categories.

Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, 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.

“This time we are showcasing the importance of wellbeing and inclusivity among communities, and we want as many people as possible to nominate local champions.”

The closing date for nominations is July 5.

The first of the new categories is wellbeing and community connection, which recognises organisations or groups who help people feel healthier, more connected, and included, with a focus on physical and mental wellbeing.

The second, inclusive communities, is for groups working to bring people together and support them to thrive, such as by removing technological or physical barriers to participation.

The commitment to the community category, which honours individual volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, also returns this year.

Last year’s winner of the collaborative spirit category, Malton Free Fridge, is a volunteer-run scheme where unpaid volunteers collect food six days a week that would otherwise be wasted from local businesses, supermarkets, gardens and allotments, and distribute it to any taker.

Lindsay Wrightson, chair and founder of the project, 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.”

Share Skipton was named the winner in the community impact category.

The organisation runs a “library of things” where residents can borrow useful household items at low cost and hosts a repair café where items can be fixed by volunteers for free.

Jill Coupe, project coordinator at Share Skipton, said: “After being nominated, the team was both surprised and thrilled to be selected as the winner.

“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.

“This award has helped raise awareness of Share Skipton.

“It has been an amazing year, and we are very grateful to North Yorkshire Council for their support.”

Angela Monaghan, founder and chair of the trustees at Share Skipton, said the recognition highlighted the group’s practical approach to both social and environmental concerns.

She said: “In a time of rising costs and climate urgency, we are offering practical solutions that bring people together and prove that sustainable living and stronger communities go hand in hand.

“The recognition marks a significant milestone for the organisation and highlights the positive impact of grassroots community initiatives in addressing both environmental and social challenges.”

The winner of each category will receive £1,000 for the project, group or nominated relevant local charity in the case of the volunteer awards, while two runners-up in each category will receive £250. Each finalist will receive a trophy and a framed certificate.

All finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony on October 16, at the North Yorkshire Wider Partnership Conference, held at the Pavilions of Harrogate, North Yorkshire Showground.