1. Age Friendly - This award recognises groups/organisations which have a positive impact on the lives of people aged 55 and over, helping to create a more age-friendly, inclusive, connected and supportive community.
E.g: Active Retirement groups, Men’s Sheds, social clubs, sport & activity groups, lifelong learning and befriending initiatives.
2. Children & Youth - This award recognises groups/organisations which have a positive impact on the lives of children.
E.g: community childcare services/facilities, youth groups, sports clubs, homework clubs, also those who work with children with additional needs and disabilities.
3. Community Safety - This award recognises organisations that enhance community safety, wellbeing and quality of life through initiatives that promote safer, more inclusive and connected communities, and help to prevent violence, crime, discrimination and anti-social behaviour.
E.g: community alerts, neighbourhood watch, support for victims, vulnerable populations, minorities, LGBTQ+, youth, the elderly and restorative projects.
4. Environment, Heritage & Biodiversity - This award recognises groups/organisations that protect, improve and celebrate the environment, biodiversity and local heritage.
E.g: community clean-ups, biodiversity and wildlife projects, habitat restoration, tree planting, pollinator initiatives, community gardens, Tidy Towns, heritage conservation, protection of local landmarks/traditions, environmental education and awareness.
5. Health & Wellbeing - This award recognises groups/organisations that support and encourage a healthy community by promoting positive environments and initiatives that support and encourage physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and a sense of community connection.
E.g: walking/hiking clubs, scouts/guides, sports/youth clubs, indoor/outdoor activities and physical activity programmes.
6. Inclusive Communities - This award recognises groups/organisations that strengthen and support their communities by creating welcoming, inclusive and accessible places where everyone can participate, connect and have a sense of belonging.
E.g: community centres, community councils, local development groups, social and support initiatives, groups supporting people experiencing isolation or disadvantage, disability/accessibility initiatives, intercultural and integration projects.
7. Spick & Span - Best Kept Residential Area - This award recognises groups/organisations working together to improve community facilities enhancing the appearance of the area, creating a sense of pride/inclusivity in their area and making it an attractive place to live.
E.g: Housing estates, streets, residential areas, apartments complex etc. Residents Associations