Make A Difference Awards – BBC

Celebrating Everyday Heroes

Across the UK, countless individuals and community groups quietly dedicate their time and energy to improving the lives of others.

While their work often happens behind the scenes, initiatives like the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards ensure these unsung heroes receive the recognition they deserve.

Recognising Those Who Go the Extra Mile

The BBC Make a Difference Awards celebrate people who make a positive impact in their local communities—whether through volunteering, fundraising, supporting neighbours, protecting the environment, or simply showing extraordinary kindness.

The awards were created to highlight the remarkable contributions of ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things for others.

Run in partnership with the BBC’s network of local radio stations across the UK, the awards encourage the public to nominate individuals or groups who have made a meaningful difference where they live.

This local focus helps uncover inspiring stories from towns, cities, and villages across the country.

Award Categories

Each year, the awards recognise a wide range of contributions through several categories, including:

• Volunteer Award – celebrating individuals who give their time to help others
• Community Group Award – recognising groups that have changed lives locally
• Fundraiser Award – for those who go the extra mile raising money for good causes
• Young Hero Award – honouring inspiring young people under 16
• Great Neighbour Award – for acts of kindness that strengthen communities
• Active Award – for projects using sport or physical activity to improve lives
• Environmental Award – celebrating efforts to protect or improve the environment
• Animal Award – recognising animals or people who improve animal welfare

These categories reflect the many ways people can contribute to their communities and highlight the diverse efforts that make neighbourhoods stronger and more supportive places to live.

A UK-Wide Celebration of Community Spirit

In recent years, the awards have expanded to include the whole of the UK, with BBC teams in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland working together to identify and celebrate local heroes.

Winners are announced at special ceremonies held by local BBC stations, typically taking place in September.

These events shine a spotlight on inspiring stories and bring communities together to celebrate those making a real difference.

Each year, hundreds of individuals and groups are recognised across the country—ranging from volunteers supporting vulnerable residents to community initiatives tackling environmental challenges.

In some cases, even animals that provide extraordinary assistance or support have been honoured.

Nominate Someone Who Makes a Difference

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for the work they do?

Nominations for the BBC Make a Difference Awards give everyone the opportunity to say “thank you” to the people who make their community a better place.