Stronger Communities Awards 2025
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 7 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 close 5pm, Friday 19 September.
Award categories
Education
Academic excellence
The award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement that deserves wider recognition.
Exceptional Student
The judges will present this award to a student who does not fit into the other categories but merits acknowledgment for their exceptional dedication or unwavering commitment to learning despite facing adversity.
Vocational excellence
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.
Business
Bringing Success to Darlington
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
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.
Independent business of the year
The judges are looking for an independent business in Darlington that has consistently exceeded expectations in serving its customers.
Sport
Performance in sport
This award will be presented to an individual or group that the judges see have excelled in their chosen sport.
Health
Exceptional care
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.
Services to mental health and wellbeing
This category acknowledges an exceptional service that has had a beneficial effect on individuals' mental health and well-being.
Volunteers
Exceptional volunteer
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
The judges will award this to a young person (under the age of 25) 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.
Other
Contribution to the arts
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
The judges are looking for an individual or group who are involved in activities aimed at improving where they live.
Contribution to the environment
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.
Enhancing the lives of children and young people
The judges are looking for an individual or group that is positively influencing the lives of children and young people.
Public service hero
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.
Net zero
The judges are looking to celebrate a business or organisation which has made a remarkable stride towards the goal of Net Zero.