Community groups seen how they make a difference
BBCLocal charities, clubs and organisations which change lives for the better are set to be recognised for their work in their communities.
From pop-up cafes to mental health support groups, the BBC Make A Difference Community Award celebrates community groups which make a positive contribution to local life.
This is the fifth year of the awards, marking groups and clubs changing the lives of others for the better in Devon and Cornwall.
Nominations for the 2026 awards opened in February but are set to close on Tuesday 31 March at 17:00 BST.
'Everyone is equal'
In 2025, the BBC Radio Devon Make A Difference Community Award went to the Benita Project.
Based in South Molton, Devon, it serves eight other local areas.
Friends and caterers Ioni Drake and Mandy Harding set up the project to cook meals for communities across the county.
Drake said: "We're a free travelling pop-up cafe that offers community friendship meals."
She added they served 6,258 free meals to communities in 2024.
She said: "We know what it feels like to be lonely... and we're in a position to be able to help. When people walk through our door, everyone is equal.
"The award will continue to spur us and means we're doing something right."
The Benita Project has now expanded to offer educational courses and support with personal finance.
In Devon, previous winners have included Shoalstone Pool in Brixham, the Green Parks Community Association in Paignton and ChemoHero in Barnstaple.
In Cornwall, winners of the community group award cover all corners of the county and beyond.
Last year, the award went to the Sparkle Foundation UK.
Based in Helston, it supports people facing poverty, sudden crisis, domestic violence and mental health challenges.
Trustee Leigh Yates was nominated by her daughter which she said was particularly humbling.
She said: "I was so honoured because I've got two absolutely amazing children and throughout the years they've been dragged to lots of different events to fundraise... But now, as they've got older, they recognise the importance of it.
"They were always brilliant when they were young, but as adults they've gone on to help other people with their experience."
Back in 2023, the award went to Cornwall and Devon Sending Love to Ukraine.
The group was set up by Darren Tait at the start of the war.
The group collects targeted aid at its headquarters in Callington, Cornwall, before driving in convoy to the Poland-Ukraine border.
He said just being nominated for the award was incredible.
Tait said: "It matters a lot, even if you just get nominated and don't actually get through to the final.
"Knowing that somebody's recognised what you do in your community, or what you do for individual people means you've been seen, you've been noticed and that really is special."
The award is supported by BBC Morning Live.
Presenter and financial journalist Iona Bain is one of the local judges and said: "Being a judge of this award has honestly become one of the highlights of my year.
"I get to meet beautiful people who are in communities making things happen and being the change they want to see in the world."
