BBC Make a Difference Awards nominations open

The Make a Difference awards honouring community champions has opened for nominations.

The BBC Radio Kent awards celebrate people who give their time to improve their communities.

As in 2025, there are eight categories which aim to recognise contributions made across various aspects of community life.

The finalists will be invited to a ceremony at the Quarter House in Folkestone, where the winners will be revealed.

The categories are as follows:

• The Volunteer Award – for an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others
• The Young Hero Award – for an under-16-year-old who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional
• The Great Neighbour Award – for an individual who helps 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 – for an individual or group who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community
• The Animal Award – for either a remarkable animal that improves people's lives, or an individual or group who improve the welfare of animals
• The Environmental Award – for an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment
• The Fundraiser Award – for an individual or group who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause
• The Community Group Award (supported by Morning Live) – for a group who have helped to change the lives of others within their community

To nominate someone go to the Make A Difference site, with nominations closing at 17:00 BST on 31 March.

Among last year's winners was Jo Hogbin, from Dottie's Little Hog Hospital in Herne Bay.

Hogbin was recognised in the animal category for her work caring for sick hedgehogs.

She reflected on an "amazing" experience.

"The fact of being recognised for being so busy, so overwhelmed, so overrun all of the time, day and night was wonderful," she said.

"Above all of that, the recognition for all of us, not just me, meant the world."

Anthony Grove, who won the volunteer award because of his work with young people at Tonbridge Amateur Boxing Club, said the recognition had given him a "little bit of a pick up".

"I encourage anyone to nominate someone that you think deserves the recognition with the time and effort they put in," he added.

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