Wychavon Community Stars
In this section
Do you know someone who goes the extra mile to make a difference to improve the area where you live? Then nominate them for a Wychavon Community Star.
Wychavon Community Stars celebrate those who live or work in our communities and use their own time to make a significant and lasting positive difference to the people, places and environment of Wychavon.
You can put someone forward for a Wychavon Community Star at any time, just by filling in our simple online nomination form.
Click or tap the headings below to find out more about Wychavon Community Stars and how you can make a nomination.
Our Communities and Funding Advisory Panel and Executive Board Member for Stronger Communities, Culture and Sport will meet several times a year to look at the nominations and decide who will receive a Community Star.
-
Who can make a nomination?
Anyone who is not directly involved in assessing Wychavon Community Stars nominations can put someone forward for an award. But you can’t nominate yourself.
You must be prepared to put your name on the nomination form, as we may need to contact you for extra information. We cannot accept anonymous nominations.
-
Who can be nominated?
You can nominate an individual, a group, a team or an entire organisation.
You must be able to demonstrate how they have used their own time to make a significant and lasting positive contribution to people, places or the environment within the Wychavon district.
People who are doing amazing work in paid roles won’t be considered as organisations generally have their own way of rewarding and recognising their contribution.
We also won’t give awards simply for long service or for just fulfilling statutory volunteering roles, such as a school governor or parish councillor. However, if you know someone in one of those roles who goes the extra mile then please nominate them.
Examples of the kinds of things people may receive a Community Star for include:
- Helping to make their town or village a better place to live
- Improving life for people less able than themselves
- Making a difference to the local environment
- Improving a struggling voluntary organisation
-
How to nominate someone for an award
You can make a nomination by completing our online form. You will need to include the information listed below.
- your name and contact details
- the name of the person or group you are nominating, their age (if under 19), address and other contact details
- a short, detailed description explaining why you are nominating them – evidence of what they’ve done and how they have made things better for others or improved a place or their local environment. You can read our guidance on making a nomination for more information.
If you wish, you may include any other evidence you have to support your nomination, for example articles, photos or letters.
If you are unable to complete the online form please contact us about alternative ways to submit a nomination.
-
Help making a nomination
There is no right or wrong way to write a nomination and it doesn’t have to be a work of art or an academic essay. It just needs to tell the story of the person you are nominating and why you believe the are worthy of celebrating.
Nominations should be at least 100 words but there is no maximum word limit. You can tell us as much as you like about the person or organisation you are nominating. The most important thing is to provide evidence of what they’ve done and how they’ve made things better for others.
At the least. make sure your nomination answers these questions:
- How were things before they began doing what they do?
- How are they now? Describe the impact and difference they have made.
- What makes your nominee different from others doing the same thing?
You may include details of how your nominee has produced results against the odds, overcome challenges and barriers, earned the respect of the community or group they work with, demonstrated determination or had to make tough choices.
Try to avoid generic sweeping phrases like ‘they have made a widespread difference to young people’. Be more specific. Provide hard evidence and case studies where applicable.
An example of a good nomination is below to help guide you. But don’t worry too much. The important thing is you give it a go and tell us about the amazing person you believe is worth celebrating.
Example of a good nomination
For over ten years years, Jane has been the driving force behind our village youth club that has transformed the lives of over 150 young people and revitalised the community.
With no initial funding, Jane took it upon herself to establish a safe, welcoming space for young people in the village. She recognised there was nowhere for young people to play safely in the village and this was leading to low level anti-social behaviour including street drinking and vandalism which was having an upsetting impact on people and leading to community tension.
Jane secured a venue in an old church hall, negotiated its use free of charge, and personally funded essential equipment to get the club running. Her determination led them to seek sponsorships and donations from local businesses, ensuring that the club remained accessible and well-equipped.
Every Friday night, without fail, she dedicates her time to running the club, creating a space where young people can socialise, engage in positive activities, and build confidence. Jane’s unwavering commitment has directly contributed to a significant reduction in antisocial behaviour in the village – there are fewer than two or three incidents a year whereas previously it was constant. It has also fostered a sense of pride and belonging among local youth.
The impact of Jane’s work is immeasurable. Many of the young people they have supported credit the club with keeping them on the right path, providing mentorship, and instilling values of respect and responsibility. Here selflessness, perseverance, and dedication to improving the lives of others epitomise the values of the Wychavon Community Star Awards.
Jane does all this even though she still works part-time in a local school. She has never sought recognition, but her tireless work has left a lasting legacy. Jane has given the village’s young people a future—and the entire community is stronger because of it.
-
After you nominate someone for an award
You will receive an acknowledgement from us. Then you may not hear anything else for several months.
Once your nomination has been considered by our Communities and Funding Advisory Panel we will let you know the outcome.
If your nomination is successful, we will also contact the person you nominated. If the nomination is unsuccessful, we will not contact them.
-
Assessment process
Each nomination will be reviewed by our Communities Officers who will add their comments.
Our Communities and Funding Advisory Panel and Executive Board Member for Stronger Communities, Culture and Sport will then review all nominations with any personal data (names and contact details) removed so there can be no bias.
The panel will assess each nomination and decide who will receive a Community Star.
-
What the winners get
Wychavon Community Star to wear with pride. They will also get a certificate. These will be presented to the nominee by the Chairman or another Wychavon representative at a small, personalised celebration.
Winners will be given the opportunity to participate in publicity about their award and to share their story.
-
Wychavon Community Star online nomination form
-
More information
If you need help making your nomination or would like a paper copy of the nomination form, then please contact
Tracy Perkins, Wychavon's Engagement Officer
- Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Telephone: 01386 565517
We're proud to recognise this year’s winners and thank them for the positive impact they have on communities across Wychavon. Visit the Community Stars Hub page for more information.
- Email:
