The BBC's Make a Difference Awards are your chance to say thank you and recognise those who improve lives where we live.

You now have the chance to nominate someone in your community. There are eight categories:

The Volunteer Award

This is awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.

In 2018, Ken Griffiths won The Volunteer Award for all his endeavours in Haslemere. You can read more about Ken's volunteering here and maybe feel inspired to nominate someone else in Haslemere who gives their time to volunteer selflessly.  

The Young Hero Award (new for 2025)

This is awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.

Great Neighbour Award

This is awarded to 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 (new for 2025)

This is 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

This is awarded to an animal that improves the life of an individual or group of people. Or, a person or group of people working with animals to improve animal welfare.

The Green Award

This is awarded to an individual or group of people who help to make where we live more environmentally friendly and better for nature.

The Fundraiser Award

This is 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 supported by Morning Live

This is awarded to an individual or group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within their community.

The award nominations are now open. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category, across each national and local BBC radio station.

Shortlisted finalists will be notified from June 2025 and our Make a Difference Award ceremonies are taking place across the UK in September 2025. Click here for full award rules and our privacy notice.

Follow the latest on the awards on social media using the hashtag #BBCMakeADifference.