Nominations now open!

The countdown has begun as nominations are now open for entries to the annual Stronger Communities Awards which will culminate in a glittering ceremony at the Dolphin Centre on 11th November.

This year there are of 14 categories, covering all aspects of life in Darlington, including business, the environment, the arts, sport, public service, and volunteering.

Winner of last year’s Stronger Communities Special award, Sarah Rose, chair of Skerne Park Academy Local Governing Body said: “Winning the Stronger Communities Special Award for me was a huge surprise and an honour.

Since I received the award, I have taken it back to our local community and everyone who volunteers at Skerne Park Community Partnership has had their photo taken with it, including our children. It is their award too as we are a team. It is proudly displayed there.

The categories includ-

PUBLIC SERVICE HERO – Sponsored by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service:  The judges are looking for an individual or individuals who have gone far above and beyond their duty, either in a one-off exceptional incident, or consistently in their line of work. Anyone working in a public service role can be nominated. 

EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEER – Sponsored by the Office of the Durham Police, Crime & Victims' Commissioner: 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 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 they have undertaken, or the sacrifice they have made.

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.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE ARTS – Sponsored by Creative Darlington: 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 ENVIRONMENT – Sponsored by The Banks Group: 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 – e.g., improving wildlife habitats, reducing carbon footprint, or enhancing open spaces. 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY: The judges are looking for an individual or group involved in activities aimed at improving where they live. 

BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY – Sponsored by EE: 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. 

VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE – Sponsored by Darlington College: 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. 

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE – Sponsored by Queen Elizabeth 6th Form College: The award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement that deserves wider recognition. 

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT – Sponsored by Teesside University: The judges will award this to a student who doesn’t fall into either of the academic 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 CARE – Sponsored by HSBC:  This category celebrates those people whose support or compassion makes a difference to people’s wellbeing. They may be a professional care giver or just a good egg whose help has enabled you, a member of your family or a friend to live a healthy life.

CONTRIBUTION TO SPORT – Darlington Football Club: 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. 

PERFORMANCE IN SPORT – Healthy Darlington: This award will be presented to an individual or group that the judges see have excelled in their chosen sport.

To make a nomination, visit Darlington Borough Council - Communities. The closing date for nominations is Friday 23rd September 2022.