Nominations for West Berkshire Council’s Community Champions 2025 Awards now open

As of today (Monday, November 3) nominations are officially open for this year’s Community Champions Awards.

West Berkshire Council is inviting residents to nominate individuals and groups for the annual awards.

The awards are a chance to say thank you to people who have contributed to their community and gone above and beyond to support residents in West Berkshire.

This community contribution can be made in many ways, such as organising environmental work, running social groups, coordinating community sports activities and events, or coordinating resident groups.

Nominations can be made in the following four categories: The Pat Eastop Junior Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Community Group of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Pat Eastop Junior Citizen of the Year recognises someone 18 years old or under, who lives in West Berkshire (or whose contribution has benefitted West Berkshire) and has made an outstanding contribution to the district and its residents.

Volunteer of the Year recognises someone living in West Berkshire (or whose contribution has benefitted West Berkshire) who has made an outstanding contribution and shown exceptional commitment to an unpaid activity.

Community Group of the Year recognises and rewards a community group (based within West Berkshire or providing service to) which has made an exceptional contribution to the district and its residents.

Small or large, all groups will be considered in relation to the impact they have had.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises someone who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment either in an unpaid role, involved in a project or other initiative or delivered long-lasting benefit to the community.

Chairman of West Berkshire Council Tony Vickers (Lib Dem, Hungerford and Kintbury) said: “The Community Champion Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the volunteers who give their time, energy, and care to support others.

“These are the people who quietly strengthen our communities, whether through local groups, neighbourhood initiatives, or simply lending a helping hand.

“I encourage everyone to nominate someone whose kindness and commitment deserve to be recognised.”

All nominations will be judged by an independent panel, and the winners will be presented with their award at an awards ceremony to be held in early 2026.

Nominations can be made online by visiting: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/community-champion

Paper nomination forms can be obtained by calling (01635) 503973.

The closing date for nominations is December 1, 2025.