Search begins for South Hams’ community heroes as awards return

South Hams District Council is once again inviting residents to nominate local heroes for its annual South Hams Community Awards, celebrating those who go above and beyond to support their communities.

Now in its third year, the awards recognise individuals and organisations whose dedication and hard work make a positive difference to people living across the South Hams. Residents are being encouraged to put forward anyone they feel deserves recognition, from inspiring young people to community groups and environmental champions.

Nominations are open across four categories: the Young Persons Award (for under 18s), the Community Champion Award (for over 18s), the Community Organisation Award, and the Climate and Biodiversity Champion Award.

Chairman of South Hams District Council, Cllr Bernard Taylor, said: “Too often, great work being done in our communities by residents goes unrecognised and uncelebrated.

“It has been wonderful over the last two years to celebrate some of our unsung heroes, and we are keen to do the same again. We know there are so many more people and organisations out there doing fantastic things; please let us know about them so we can recognise the contributions they make to the South Hams and ensuring it’s a wonderful place to live.

“I am a keen advocate for these awards, and will be personally presenting a £25 book voucher for the winner of the Young Persons Award, to try and encourage even more entries.”

Nominations for the South Hams Community Awards close at 11.59pm on Saturday 31 January 2026. Further information and nomination forms are available online at www.southhams.gov.uk/community-awards.

Last year’s awards celebrated a wide range of community contributions. Winners included Valerie Stevens, recognised for a lifetime of dedication to the East Allington community through her support of the local football club, school and church, as well as her role as caretaker of the village hall.

The Dads Network CIC was named Community Organisation of the Year for its work supporting families locally and nationally, with its event Dad Fest now run across the country as the UK’s only festival dedicated to father figures and their children.

Two winners shared the Climate and Biodiversity Champion Award: Peter Brown, for bringing people together to address local climate issues in and around Newton and Noss, and Ross Kennerley of Sustainable South Brent, for his work driving forward the Hope Wood project in partnership with South Hams District Council, alongside the organisation’s community market garden and orchard.

The Under 18s Community Award was jointly awarded to Kai and Willow Wakeling, who were recognised for their efforts over several years to help keep Kingston Playing Fields near Modbury clean and tidy.