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Stronger Communities Awards 2023

Join us in celebrating the best athletes, students, volunteers, businesses, and many more amazing people in Darlington.

The ceremony is set to take place Friday 17 November at the Dolphin Centre.

For any queries, please email [email protected].

Take a look at the categories and make any nominations using the online form.

Nominations are now closed, thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination

Award categories


Academic excellence

Sponsored by Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College

Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form college logo

The award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement that deserves wider recognition.


Bringing Success to Darlington

Sponsored by Darlington Building Society

The judges will award this to a business whose extraordinary achievement has been recognised on the regional, national or international stage, adding to Darlington’s reputation.

This might be in an innovation or reputation in business, public service, academia or the arts that has put Darlington on the map.


Business contribution to the community

Sponsored by EE

EE logo

This award recognises business with a passion and commitment to giving something back.

Whether it’s helping a voluntary or community organisation, fundraising for a good cause, or donating time and resources to local communities. 


Contribution to the Arts

Sponsored by Creative Darlington 

Creative Darlington logo

This award will be given to an individual or group who has made a major contribution to the arts in Darlington either by the excellence of their own performance, commitment to organising activities or by being role models to others in their attitude to the arts.


Contribution to the Community

Sponsored by Cummins

Cummins logo

The judges are looking for an individual or group who are involved in activities aimed at improving where they live.


Contribution to the environment

Sponsored by the Banks Group

Banks Group logo

The judges are looking for an individual, community group or business that is having a positive impact on the environment through projects or particular initiatives.

For example improving wildlife habitats, reducing carbon footprint, or enhancing open spaces.


Contribution to Sport

Sponsored by Darlington Football Club

Darlington football club logo

The judges are looking for groups or individuals who have made a major contribution to sport in Darlington through commitment to organising activities, volunteering or by being role models to others in their attitude to sport.


Exceptional Care

Sponsored by Newlands Group

This category recognises teams in Darlington which have provided care in a way that has made a real difference to your life or someone you care for and the people of Darlington.

It might well be a team whose work doesn’t normally have a high profile but who should be recognised for the great care they provide.


Exceptional student

Sponsored by National Horizons Centre

National Horizons logo

The judges will award this to a student who doesn’t fall into either previous categories but who deserves recognition for the extraordinary effort they have made, or for remaining committed to their learning in the face of adversity.


Exceptional volunteer

Sponsored by Durham Police and Crime Commissioners Office

Pcvc logo

The judges award this to an individual or group showing outstanding commitment in their voluntary field without expectation of reward or recognition.

This might be the length of time someone has volunteered, the breadth of responsibility they have undertaken, or the sacrifice they have made. 


Exceptional young volunteer

Sponsored by Darlington Economic Campus

The judges will award this to a young person (under the age of 18) or group of young people who have shown outstanding commitment in their voluntary field without expectation of reward or recognition.

This might be the length of time someone has volunteered, the breadth of responsibility that they have taken or the sacrifice they made in order to volunteer.


Performance in sport

Sponsored by Healthy Darlington

This award will be presented to an individual or group that the judges see have excelled in their chosen sport.


Public service hero

Sponsored by the Blue Light Services

Blue Light Services logo

The judges are looking for an individual or individuals who have gone far above and beyond their duty, either as a one off exceptional incident or consistently in their line of work.

Anyone working in a public service role can be nominated for this award.


Vocational excellence

Sponsored by Darlington College

Darlington college logo

The judges are looking for an individual (of any age) who has engaged in vocational learning such as a course or apprenticeship that has specialised in a particular trade or discipline and whose achievement has been outstanding.


Independent Town Centre business of the year

Sponsored by Darlington Borough Council

DBC logo

The judges will be looking for an independent business located within the town centre that has consistently gone above and beyond for their customers.

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