Nominations open for 2026 Make a Difference Awards

People across the UK are being invited to celebrate the unsung heroes in their communities as the BBC launches its 2026 Make a Difference Awards.

Broadcaster Gaby Roslin opened the nominations on BBC One's The One Show alongside BBC Radio Scotland broadcaster and singer Michelle McManus and some of last year's winners.

Rhuanedd Richards, BBC director of nations, said: "The Make a Difference Awards are a powerful reminder of the kindness, generosity and community spirit that exists in every community across the UK."

Nominations close at 17:00 GMT on 31 March, with the winners to be announced in September at Make a Difference Awards events hosted by the BBC's local and nations radio stations.

Thousands of people have been recognised for going the extra mile to support others since the awards began in 2022.

Last year, more than 12,500 people were nominated by someone who wanted to show their appreciation for all they do to make life better for others.

Football pundit Frazer Tibbitts, 11, who is registered blind, won BBC Radio WM's The Young Hero Award.

He creates lively and entertaining audio match reactions for his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers as part of Beacon's Talking Newspaper Fanzone, using his commentary to help reduce isolation for blind and visually impaired listeners.

The winners at BBC Radio Berkshire's celebration included Berkshire Birds of Prey, which took home The Animal Award for its work to offer owls and other birds as calming, health support for people in care homes and other settings.

Meanwhile, community environmental champion Janet Willonfer was recognised for her outstanding contribution to local sustainability efforts.

She won The Green Award at the BBC Radio York awards for her remarkable work in growing and donating more than 4,000 trees from her own garden.

After being nominated, she appeared on Radio 4's Woman's Hour and told listeners: "What I can do is just a drop in the ocean, but an ocean is made up of lots of drops."

At BBC Radio Leicester's ceremony, Emiola Lanlehin won The Volunteer Award in recognition of her role as a volunteer, cultural care specialist and founder of the Crowned With Care project.

Her work focuses on ensuring black and mixed-heritage children and their foster carers have the knowledge and products they need to look after Afro and textured hair.

And in London, the Dads and Male Carers Club at Jessop Primary School won The Community Group Award for its work to encourage dads to spend time in primary schools as positive role models to the children.

Founder Scott Leonard told the audience at BBC Radio London's awards: "The more we do this, the more our kids feel connected - and the more we're connected, the less bad things happen and the better the world is."

The awards are supported by BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle and BBC Radio nan Gaidheal, alongside 39 local BBC radio stations in England.

BBC One's Morning Live will again champion The Community Group Award, which demonstrates how collective efforts can make a real difference.

Richards said: "Our local and national radio stations and online teams are uniquely placed to tell these stories, and we're proud to come together to celebrate those who are making a real difference to the lives of others."

This year's award categories are:

• The Volunteer Award for an individual who makes a notable difference to the community by giving their time voluntarily to help others
• The Community Group Award for a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community
• The Fundraiser Award for an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause
• The Young Hero Award for an individual or group of young people under 16 who have made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional
• The Great Neighbour Award for an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness
• The Active Award for 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 Environmental Award for an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment
• The Animal Award for a remarkable animal that improves people's lives or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals

Nominations can be made at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see the full Terms and the Privacy Notice.