ONE YEAR EXTENSION TO INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES FUND
The Scottih Government has confirmed that Investing in Communities funding will be continued for a further year.
The announcement comes as a huge relief to community projects facing massive cuts to their funding, with services being slashed and some organisations facing closure.
Scottish Greens raised concerns over the uncertainty faced by many of Edinburgh’s third sector projects at a council meeting last month.
A looming catastrophe has been averted with the announcement of one year’s transition funding while a replacement to the Investing in Communities Fund is developed.
Edinburgh Northern and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert took up the case of local community organisations and yesterday received welcome confirmation that fears have been allayed – at least for now.
She said: “Following budget cuts, I raised concerns with the Scottish Government about the future of the Investing in Communities Fund. Ministers have now confirmed a one-year transition extension for existing projects ending in March.
“This will help in the short term, but it falls short of the long-term certainty our community organisations need. I’ll keep pushing for sustained funding and stability for the services people rely on.”
Local MSP Ben Macpherson has also been on the case. He said: “This morning I visited Dr Bell’s Family Centre to discuss a situation that was of real concern.
“Using my decade of experience – including how to get things done for local organisations – I’d written to The Scottish Government about it on Monday and followed this up today, working actively as their/your local constituency MSP … I was therefore very pleased that shortly after the matter had been resolved.
“I know it’s been a worrying time for the centre and am relieved that immediate worries have been lifted. My team and I will keep working with the centre to explore more funding streams, and support the impactful work they do in our communities.”
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Edinburgh projects who received Investing in Communities funding (2023- 26) are:
About Youth, Calder Youth Action Project (part of Wester Hailes Together), City of Edinburgh, £105,822
Community Renewal Trust, Our Neighbourhood: A new hyperlocal Community Wealth Building partnership, City of Edinburgh, £300,732
Dr. Bell’s Family Centre, Start Well, Live Well: Wellbeing Support for Families in Leith, City of Edinburgh, £348,067
Edinburgh Food Social Cic, Changing Craigmillar Food Culture, City of Edinburgh, £325,847
Fresh Start, Fresh Connections, City of Edinburgh, £280,201
North Edinburgh Arts, North Edinburgh Arts Link Up, City of Edinburgh, £331,400
Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, Together We Can, City of Edinburgh, £350,000
The Venchie Children And Young People’s Project, Family Support Service, City of Edinburgh, £208,732
Transition Edinburgh South (Scotland) Ltd, Investing in Gracemount, City of Edinburgh, £302,196
Whale, The Arts Agency, Creativity, Place and Enterprise in Wester Hailes (part of Wester Hailes Together), City of Edinburgh, £332,494.
Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) has launched its new community-led manifesto, calling for a fairer Scotland where local people have the power, investment and opportunity to shape their own futures.
Representing nearly 400 development trusts across Scotland, DTAS works with communities to take ownership of local assets, build sustainable enterprises and drive local regeneration. Its support helps communities safeguard vital services, bring a new lease of life to local spaces and strengthen social and economic wellbeing in towns, villages and islands across the country.
Last year, DTAS supported 81 local organisations, helping them secure more than £1.1 million in funding.
The manifesto highlights the ways in which communities are already leading change – from transforming disused buildings into thriving community hubs, to tackling rural depopulation and building a fairer local economy. However, it also highlights how limited funding and a lack of long-term investment is still holding them back.
To help Scotland’s communities reach their full potential, the manifesto sets out practical steps and policy asks centred around five key pillars:
A sustainable and supportive environment for communities
Developing local democracy
An inclusive, sustainable, wellbeing economy
Land reform and community ownership
A just transition and climate action
Among its proposed actions, DTAS is urging greater investment in long-term community development, reforms to land policy to expedite community ownership, and the creation of a community wealth fund to help local people take on and transform assets for public benefit.
Pauline Smith, CEO at DTAS, said:“Communities across Scotland are already delivering life-changing solutions to the challenges they face – from keeping vital services running to building a fairer local economy. But too often, their ambitions are limited by short-term policy and centralised control.
“This manifesto is our call for change to give local citizens real power, not just a voice. With the right investment and trust, they can shape a fairer, greener and more resilient future for Scotland.”
Case study: Huntly Development Trust
With DTAS help, member Huntly Development Trust has been able to secure the Strengthening Communities Funding needed to grow its organisational capacity and sharpen its impact locally. DTAS’ Community Ownership Support Service has helped the Trust taken ownership of key community assets and accelerate its vision for local regeneration.
Donald Boyd, general manager at Huntly Development Trust, said: “Development trusts across Scotland are the beating heart of local action. We’re practical, on the ground anchor organisations – the “first responders” of community development – finding ways to meet local needs and secure new opportunities for local wellbeing.
“Here in Huntly, our work results in major local benefits and cost-savings to the public purse, but it requires long-term, consistent support.
“While we’ve made great strides in tackling local challenges, the support mechanisms identified by DTAS could help us and other communities across the country achieve so much more to drive lasting change.”
Convener of the city council’s Planning Committee Cllr Joan Griffiths encourages residents get involved in plans to improve local communities
Are you passionate about your local community and interested in helping us shape how it looks in the future? Local Place Plans have been introduced so you can tell us what you care about, like and don’t like about where you live as well as your community’s aspirations.
Every area is different and so your plan can address your community’s needs and concerns. The Council is required to recognise Local Place Plans when preparing the next local development Plan – City Plan 2040.
So how does this work? There is no right or wrong way to develop each plan. It will depend on the resources you have available. But it must include a map of the relevant land, and a proposal of how the land will be used. You can make it very simple, and it doesn’t need to be professionally designed. A word document and a map can be enough.
You can help shape future housing, business, or community spaces by bringing forward proposals to improve quality of life, health and well-being, and help to protect buildings and green space in line with your community values.
If you have an idea, I’d suggest you team up with your local community council or relevant trusts or charities. Children and youth groups, local schools and organisations big and small may also like to get involved with your plan.
A Local Place Plan needs to relate to a specific area, but it can be any size. It can cover a whole district, a neighbourhood, or a single plot of land. It is up to you what you cover.
It doesn’t need to be clearly defined in the beginning. It can evolve during the process.
A good Local Place Plan has information on what life is like in your area and who lives there. It could have ideas for new buildings and homes, improving how you get around, additional spaces for playing, sports or growing food, or proposals to reuse important buildings.
To prepare one you’ll also need to reach out to your community to find out what is most important to them. You should ask about the changes you’d like to make, what you’d like to protect, what they think is missing in the community and you can point out planning policies you think can be influenced in your plan.
You could do this through surveys and questionnaires, drop in events, exhibitions and by attending planned local events. Schools and youth organisations will be able to help you talk to young people too.
Our aim with City Plan 2040 and local place plans is to strengthen communities and make sure that they look after the wellbeing of their residents.
We want to build attractive places where people can afford to buy or rent their homes, walk to educational and healthcare facilities, enjoy cultural and sporting activities and easily access sustainable transport to visit other parts of Edinburgh.
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation at its Edinburgh store, in partnership with Needlefresh.
Dobbies Community Christmas Tree campaign will see stores across the UK giving away more than 220 Christmas trees to local schools and nurseries to help spread joy during the festivities.
Participants will need to fill out a short application form, entries close Thursday 6 November at 5pm.
SP Energy Networks is planning to engage with 3.5 million homes and businesses, including customers across Edinburgh and The Lothians, over the coming weeks, as it helps local communities prepare for adverse weather ahead of winter.
This critical safety campaign forms part of a wider UK roll-out of communication to customers across Central & Southern Scotland, Cheshire, Merseyside, North & Mid Wales and North Shropshire, giving vital advice on how to stay safe and supported during a power cut.
By engaging with households, SP Energy Networks aims to help customers better understand what to do if the lights go out, who can access extra support through the free Priority Services Register, and the measures SP Energy Networks takes every day to keep communities safe and the power flowing.
Even though power cuts don’t happen often, being prepared can make all the difference. That’s why SP Energy Networks are sharing four simple steps everyone can take to prepare for a power cut.
To get prepared ahead of adverse weather, SP Energy Networks’ recommends:
1. Save the 105 number in your phone or write it down somewhere safe.
2. Keep a torch and some new batteries nearby.
3. Charge your phone and any power packs.
4. Have some extra blankets or warm clothes ready.
SP Energy Networks is also encouraging those who may need extra support in the event of a power cut – including people with medical equipment at home, those over 60, households with children under 5, or anyone who feels they could use additional support – to sign up to the Priority Services Register.
This free service provides tailored help and proactive updates when there are problems in a customer’s area, as well as offering a 24/7 dedicated helpline number to contact.
Kendal Morris, Customer Services Director at SP Energy Networks, said:“At SP Energy Networks, keeping our customers safe and supported is our top priority.
“While power cuts are rare, being prepared can make a big difference. That’s why we’re delivering vital safety messaging directly to homes across Edinburgh and The Lothians to make sure everyone has clear, practical advice on what to do if the lights go out.
“From knowing the national 105 number to signing up for our free Priority Services Register, this vital information helps customers feel confident and reassured that they’re ready for any eventuality this winter.”
SP Energy Networks plans to distribute over 3.5 million leaflets directly to households and businesses over the next month, with all homes across Edinburgh and The Lothians receiving a leaflet by the 20th of October.
The distribution of these leaflets forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment to ensuring customers have the information they need to feel safe, supported, and prepared.
For more information and guidance on how to prepare for a power cut, visit:
New powers let residents reclaim beloved assets and drive patriotic renewal, ‘street by street’ – delivering on the Plan for Change
Millions to benefit as communities revive high streets, parks and public spaces
Up to £5 billion Pride in Place programme puts local people across 339 neighbourhoods in the driving seat of national renewal, as government chooses unity over division
New powers let residents reclaim beloved assets and drive patriotic renewal, street by street – delivering on the Plan for Change
Neighbours and families across the UK will lead the revival of their communities, as the Prime Minister launches a landmark £5 billion Pride in Place programme — backing the ‘true patriots who build their communities up, and choosing unity over division’.
As part of the fund, 169 areas will receive £2 million every year for a decade, giving long-overlooked communities the certainty and control they need to plan for the future. A further 95 areas will receive an immediate £1.5 million to upgrade public spaces with new green spaces, play areas and sports and leisure facilities.
From Bootle to Bridgwater, local people will decide how funding is spent — reviving high streets, restoring parks, and breathing new life into pubs, leisure centres and community halls. This is renewal in action, led by the people who know their neighbourhoods best.
Communities will also gain new powers to seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses, and buy beloved local assets before they close – restoring pride and unity to every corner of the country.
Yesterday’s announcement is part of the government’s Plan for Change, a decade-long mission to back the people who make their communities thrive. It sits alongside wider work to deliver cleaner, safer streets, create opportunities on every doorstep, and build the homes, roads and GP surgeries people need to thrive.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:“For too long, people have watched their towns and streets decline – powerless to stop boarded-up shops and neglected parks. That ends now.
“We’re investing in the UK’s future, by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country. Because it’s people who bring pride, hope and life to our communities.
“This is a huge investment, but what matters most is who decides how it’s spent: the neighbours, volunteers and parents who know their communities best – the people with real skin in the game.
“We’re choosing renewal over decline, unity over division. This is our Plan for Change in action – giving power and pride back to the people who make Britain great.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed said: “Building pride in place starts with people, not politics. Local people know what they want to see in their neighbourhoods – and they don’t need government to dictate it.
“This plan will spark an historic grassroots movement that will restore local people’s power, boost national pride and help people get on in life across the UK as part of our Plan for Change.”
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:“We’re giving local people the power to transform their hometowns. Giving them more control of how money is spent where they live so that together we can invest in Britain’s renewal and build an economy that rewards working people.
“This £5 billion investment doesn’t just reverse decades of underinvestment in our public infrastructure – it cuts through the bureaucracy by giving local people the power to deliver the change they want to see.”
This announcement significantly scales up the work already underway in 75 areas, helping communities regenerate and restore local pride.
The up to £5 billion package includes an additional £3.5 billion to roll out the programme to 169 more areas, each receiving up to £20 million over ten years.
Separately, 95 areas receive a share of £150 million capital funding to improve public spaces, parks and high streets.
Local people in the existing 75 areas are already shaping their communities, every project is the result of local people’s ideas and priorities—chosen by the community, for the community. It’s the people who know best what their area needs, and their voices are shaping the future of their towns and cities.
£292 million Pride in Place investment for Scottish neighbourhoods
Scottish Local Authorities backed by Scotland Office to revitalise communities as part of our Plan for Change, with spending decisions in the hands of local people
Local communities are at the heart of Scottish life – and the Scotland Office is backing them with millions of pounds to improve the opportunities and environment for people across the country, the Prime Minister announced yesterday.
The Pride in Place programme will see up to £280 million shared among 12 Scottish local authorities to precisely target areas which can benefit most from funding being made available for a wide range of regeneration projects. Across the UK 169 of the most-in-need communities will benefit.
This includes revitalising high streets and town centres, preserving local heritage, providing housing, creating jobs, boosting productivity and skills, improving health and well-being, creating new transport links, providing education and opportunity and improving safety and security.
And a Pride in Place Impact Fund will see eight local authorities share £12 million to fund the types of changes people have said they want to see. These could include new green spaces, play areas and town centre revitalisation to sports and leisure facilities and the improvement and ownership of key community assets.
Across the UK a total of 95 areas will receive this capital funding.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said yesterday: “The UK Government is committed to delivering a decade of national renewal for Scotland. Through the Pride in Place programmes we’re announcing today, the UK Government will provide 14 places in Scotland with up to £20 million over 10 years and eight Scottish local authorities with £1.5 million over two years.
“We are providing almost £300 million new direct investment to local authority areas to revitalise local communities.
“The UK Government will be working with local partners to deliver economic growth and l see these improvements made to communities up and down Scotland making them even greater places to live, work and play.”
Mounting pressures from inflation, increasing costs and demand are exceeding the Scottish Government’s additional investment in Scotland’s councils.
In 2025/26 councils received over £15 billion in government funding, with more money set to be raised from council tax and charges for some services. With communities paying more for services, their expectations are increasing.
In its latest assessment of local government finances, the Accounts Commission reports that additional costs from wage increases, higher employer National Insurance contributions and intensifying service demands, including social care as Scotland’s population ages, mean councils must cover a budget shortfall of £647 million in 2025/26.
Whilst councils have partly met this shortfall through service savings and increased charges for services, continuing to use reserves and make one-off savings isn’t sustainable. It intensifies pressures on future budgets.
Longer-term change in the way services are delivered is happening but must accelerate. Action is also needed to better understand the impacts on the most vulnerable communities.
Capital funding is vital for councils to invest in public buildings such as schools and libraries, as well as roads. It also underpins the significant transformation needed in the ways services are delivered in the future.
Capital funding from the Scottish Government is increasing but has not returned to previous levels. Councils remain heavily reliant on borrowing to fund their planned £4.7 billion capital investment in 2025/26.
Mounting pressures mean Scotland’s councils must cover a budget shortfall of £647 million in 2025/26.
Difficult decisions lie ahead on what services can be delivered and how.
Derek Yule, Member of the Accounts Commission said: “There’s a growing expectation gap. Councils don’t have enough money to meet current demand, at a time when local communities are being asked to contribute more through increases in council tax and charges for some services.
“Councils need to provide clearer budget information and work with communities to determine how services will be delivered in the future. These conversations won’t be easy.
“With public finances tightening, however, not all cost increases faced by councils can be met by government funding. Local action is needed now to find solutions to immediate and future financial challenges.
“This means difficult decisions on what services can be delivered and making major changes in how they are delivered.”
New research shows that 82% of Scottish young people feel a personal responsibility to be positive role models – with many already making a real difference in their communities.
Ruby McDonald from Glenrothes, Fife, Hayley Melrose from Danderhall, Midlothian and Magnus Turpie from Edinburgh are already making a difference to their communities and are being celebrated by The National Lottery as part of a new campaign spotlighting the inspirational young people driving real change across the UK.
Ruby, who after being diagnosed with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome later in childhood causing learning disabilities, has continued to pursue her passion of sport as a disability swimming, athletics and cross-country archery champion, and as well coaching other children with disabilities with Glenrothes Strollers.
Ruby, a member of Disability Sport Scotland Young Persons Sports Panel – a voluntary position that ensures that those with disabilities are represented regionally – has won numerous prizes in recognition of her amazing work including BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero award.
National Lottery funding from sport scotland is used for a Young Ambassador programme as part of the organisation’s contribution to developing young people as leaders in sport.
Each year, pupils fromsecondary schools across Scotland can become Young Ambassadors to promote sport and motivate and inspire other young people to get involved in sport in their schools, clubs and local communities.
Ruby has served with distinction as an additional ambassador at her school in Fife.
Ruby McDonald said: “Sport has given me confidence, purpose, and the chance to help others – especially young people with disabilities who might not think opportunities are out there for them. I want young people with disabilities to know they belong in sport – not just as participants, but as leaders too.”
Committed to preserving Scottish heritage Hayley Melrose, a fourth year History student at the University of Stirling, has been a volunteer for the eco-museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes, since the project launched in 2024, a virtual museum which explores the hidden local landscape legacies of coal mining across the Scottish midland coalfield through a series of cycling and walking routes.
The project has been supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Through her volunteering with the eco-museum, Hayley was invited to sit on the board of the Collection Trust for the National Mining Museum of Scotland.
With just 5 trustee members before Hayley joined, she is the youngest member to have ever been on the trust at just 21 years old, and the second woman to sit on the collection trust with her university tutor, Dr Catherine Mills.
Hayley Melrose said: “Inspired by my own family’s rich mining heritage, I’m passionate about preserving the legacy it leaves o and making sure these stories don’t get lost.
“Getting involved in volunteering and the Eco-Museum has opened up opportunities I never knew young people could get involved with.
“Looking ahead, I want to use my platform to advocate for other young people and change the face of heritage in the UK.”
Musician, Magnus Turpie has Down Syndrome and plays and composes for several instruments, particularly the accordion.
When Magnus was young, the expectations of what he could achieve were rock-bottom, according to mum Linda. Despite that, Magnus has gone on to achieve incredible things – he’s been a regular player at ceilidhs, pub sessions and festivals, and has performed with numerous groups including Lung Ha Theatre Company, Totally Sound, Paragon and Drake Music Scotland and at venues such as Edinburgh Castle.
He has received National Lottery funding from Creative Scotland.
Magnus Turpie said:“Music is a language and means of communication open to all. Through music, I’ve been able to show that Down’s Syndrome doesn’t define what I can achieve.
“The National Lottery Create:Inclusion funding has helped me to make inroads into the traditional music world here in Scotland and beyond.
“I’ve gone on to play in ceilidhs, festivals, and release my own album and work hard to push the boundaries of what people expect from people with learning disabilities.”
Ruby, Hayley and Magnus’ stories exemplify the findings of new research by The National Lottery, which reveals that young people across Scotland are stepping up to become role models for the next generation – and doing so in deeply personal, community-driven ways.
The study, conducted with Gen Z expert Chloe Combi, surveyed 5,000 young adults across the UK and found that 82% of Scottish young people say they feel a personal responsibility to set a positive example for the next generation.
A further 83% expressed concern about the impact of toxic role models, particularly those online, prompting many to take proactive steps in real life.
While high-profile figures like Barack Obama, Greta Thunberg, Sir Chris Hoy and Stormzy were identified as influential, most young adults said their greatest role models are real people – parents, grandparents, friends, teachers and colleagues – people they see making a difference every day.
This surge in real-world role modelling is fuelling a wider movement, dubbed ‘Generation GC’ (Game Changers) by The National Lottery – a generation using their skills, values and energy to build stronger, kinder, more connected communities.
Across Scotland, this is already happening:
77% of young adults surveyed said they’ve taken part in a community project in their past year.
77% want even more opportunities to get involved, from volunteering to leading local initiatives.
58% believe the best way to be a role model is by getting involved with community volunteering projects.
Chloe Combi, author and Gen Z researcher, said:“This incredible research from The National Lottery and myself both highlights and confirms what I’ve seen for over a decade – young people are deeply committed to community and change.
“They are nothing like the self-absorbed stereotype often portrayed in the media. Their admiration for role models who foster social good is refreshing and powerful.”
Thanks to the £30 million raised every week by National Lottery players, thousands of projects – including those that helped Hayley and Magnus on their journeys – are funded across the arts, sport, heritage, and community sectors.
Jonathan Tuchner, from The National Lottery Promotions Unit, said: “This study shows how passionate young adults are about stepping up as positive role models and making a difference in their communities. They’re determined to shape a better society, and that commitment deserves real recognition.
“Every day, we see National Lottery-funded projects led by and involving young people transforming lives through sport, the arts, heritage and community. From grassroots initiatives in Scotland to large-scale programmes nationwide, these efforts are helping to build stronger, more connected communities.
“We encourage everyone to discover what’s happening locally in Scotland and get involved. Thanks to the £30 million raised each week by National Lottery players, these inspiring efforts are having a game-changing impact across the UK.”
The Edinburgh Partnership is conducting a review of how it supports and works with third sector organisations in Edinburgh.
The review into the relationship between the public sector and third sector in Edinburgh seeks to improve funding certainty in future years. This includes how grant funding and commissioning is delivered, how third sector organisations monitor and report on their work, and what in-kind support is provided.
Third sector organisations of all types – voluntary, social enterprises and charities – are being asked to share their views through the City of Edinburgh Council’s Consultation Hub survey or by attending a workshop.
The results will be reported to the Policy and Sustainability Committee in August.
Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, said: “The third sector provides vital support to local communities, with many giving direct support to the most vulnerable in our city.
“We know that they, like the Council, are under significant financial pressure and that there needs to be longer-term change in how they are supported by us and our partners.
“We want to hear about how we can make it simpler, provide more stability, and work better together to help vulnerable people. You can share your views through the council’s consultation hub webpage, or by attending one of the workshops.”
Workshops run from Monday 19 May until Thursday 5 June. Details are available on the Consultation Hub and booking is required.
As part of the city’s commitment to help the sector, the council has dedicated £3.5m this year to help organisations impacted by unexpected loss of grant funding or reduced commissioning.
BBC teams across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are calling on audiences to nominate their local heroes for the Make a Difference Awards, which will span the entire UK for the first time
BBC teams across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are calling on audiences to nominate their local heroes for the Make a Difference Awards.
For the first time, the awards will span the entire UK, with BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle and BBC Radio nan Gaidheal all joining the search for community heroes. All stations will be part of this annual celebration of kindness, alongside all 39 local BBC radio stations in England.
There are also two new categories introduced this year: The Young Hero Award, which will honour an individual under the age of 16 who has made a significant positive impact in their community, and The Active Award, which will recognise individuals or groups who have used physical activity or sport to improve the lives of those in their community.
Nominations are open now with Kevin Duala from BBC Radio Merseyside kicking the proceedings off live on The One Show yesterday. Morning Live will once again support the Community Group Award.
Listeners can nominate their local heroes in eight categories (see below). Since the awards began in 2022, thousands of listeners have nominated people from where they live who go that extra mile for their communities. The aim is to shine a light on these every day, unsung heroes. Nominations close at 5pm on Monday 31st March.
Winners will be announced at Make a Difference Awards events hosted by local and national BBC radio stations across the country in September.
Rhodri Talfan Davies, BBC Director of Nations, said: “For the first time, BBC Make a Difference will celebrate the achievements of community heroes right across the UK – inspirational individuals and teams who go the extra mile to strengthen our villages, towns and cities.
“It’s a wonderful celebration of the human spirit and I can’t wait to hear the remarkable stories of those nominated.”
For a full list of categories, see below – and details of how to nominate someone – go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see full Terms and our Privacy Notice.
Nominations are open now and close at 5pm on Monday 31st March.
Make A Difference – Categories 2025
The Volunteer Award: awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.
The Young Hero Award: awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
The Great Neighbour Award: awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.
The Active Award: awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.
The Animal Award: awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.
The Green Award: awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.
The Fundraiser Award: awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.
The Community Group Award: awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community. Supported by the BBC daytime show Morning Live.
