Nominations for the prestigious Suffolk Community Awards 2026 are now open, with the opportunity to nominate the people, groups and organisations that make the biggest difference in their community.
With hundreds of entries from across Suffolk every year, the awards are the county’s annual showcase for people and organisations who go out of their way to help others.
Nominating is free and includes 18 categories, from young person of the year to volunteering. There really is something for everyone to show appreciation to those who go the extra mile to demonstrate kindness and act as role models to others.
The awards are arranged and hosted by Community Action Suffolk, Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Association of Local Councils.
The closing date for nominations is Sunday 12 July and nominations can be made through the Suffolk Community Awards website. Winners will be announced and presented with prizes at the awards ceremony in September.
“It is a cliché to say that there are a great many unsung heroes in Suffolk that make a very big difference to the lives of people and communities, but it is true, and the Suffolk Community Awards are the one big chance to publicly acknowledge them,” says Hannah Reid, Chief Executive of Community Action Suffolk.
“That is why the awards are so important. They recognise the individuals and groups that otherwise frequently go unnoticed despite making such an important positive impact on the lives of those who need help, or communities that require support.”
Last year’s winner, 11 year-old Harli Dixon, was honoured for raising more than £24,000 for St Elizabeth’s Hospice in memory of her late mum.
Tools With A Mission was also recognised for its volunteer-led work, repairing and refurbishing tools for communities in Africa. The organisation recently dispatched another container of equipment to Zambia, including sewing machines, trade kits, computers and power tools.
The awards are not just for people and groups. Last year Robbie, the police volunteer horse (and his owner Sara Hills), received a Special Award for 10 years’ of service, including patrolling rural roads to help prevent fly tipping, hare coursing and other anti-social behaviour, and visiting schools and events to promote road safety.
Stuart Keeble, Executive Director of Public Health, Communities and Public Safety at Suffolk County Council, says of the new Health and Wellbeing category:
“I’m really pleased to see the introduction of the new Health and Wellbeing Award. So much of what keeps us healthy happens in our communities, and every day I see the difference that local people and organisations make to physical and mental wellbeing. This award is a chance to recognise and celebrate those efforts, and the positive impact they have on people’s lives across Suffolk.”
Furthermore, Sally Longmate, CEO from the Suffolk Association of Local Councils said:
“The Suffolk Community Awards celebrate the real stories happening every day across our towns and parishes – the local people, voluntary groups and councils quietly making life better for others.
These awards recognise the small actions that have a big impact: neighbours supporting neighbours, groups bringing communities together, and local leaders helping places to thrive. Every nomination helps shine a light on the people and projects making a genuine difference to everyday life in Suffolk.
If you know a local story worth telling, now is the time to step forward, nominate, and help ensure our community champions get the recognition they deserve.”
All nominations are to be submitted via the Suffolk Community Awards website before Sunday 12th July at www.suffolkcommunityawards.co.uk