Deadline: 21-Aug-2026
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has opened nominations for the Community Awards 2026 to honour individuals and community groups that have made exceptional voluntary contributions across the borough. The awards recognise outstanding achievements in areas including youth engagement, community safety, health and wellbeing, environmental action, equality, innovation, and lifelong community service.
Community Awards 2026
The Community Awards 2026 celebrate volunteers and community organizations whose dedication and commitment have made a positive and lasting impact on local communities. The awards highlight the important role of voluntary service in improving quality of life, promoting inclusion, and strengthening communities across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough.
Programme Objectives
The awards aim to:
- Recognise outstanding voluntary contributions.
- Celebrate individuals and community groups making a positive local impact.
- Promote community participation and civic engagement.
- Encourage volunteering across the borough.
- Highlight achievements that improve community wellbeing.
- Acknowledge long-term commitment to voluntary service.
Award Categories
Nominations are invited for the following categories:
- Age Friendly Award.
- Community Eco Award.
- Equality & Good Relations Award.
- Community Safety Award.
- Youth Champion Award.
- Volunteer of the Year Award.
- Under 18 Youth Volunteer Award.
- Include: Everyone, Everyday, Everywhere Award.
- Innovation Award.
- Lifetime Achiever Award.
- Health & Wellbeing Award.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Nominations may be submitted for:
- Individual volunteers.
- Community groups.
Nominees must have carried out their contributions on a voluntary basis within the council area.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible nominees must:
- Have undertaken the nominated work voluntarily.
- Normally have at least two years of involvement in the relevant activity.
For the Under 18 Youth Volunteer Award, nominees must have completed at least one year of voluntary service.
Additional eligibility requirements include:
- Self-nominations are not permitted for individual awards.
- Immediate family members cannot nominate individuals.
- A separate nomination form must be completed for each nomination.
- Nominators may submit up to three nominations, but only one nomination per category.
The number of nominations received for a nominee does not influence the assessment process.
Assessment Criteria
Eligible nominations will be evaluated against the published criteria for the relevant award category.
Assessment will consider:
- Voluntary contribution.
- Community impact.
- Commitment and dedication.
- Achievement within the nominated category.
- Alignment with the award objectives.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the guidance notes before submitting nominations to ensure eligibility requirements are met.
Why These Awards Matter
The Community Awards recognise the invaluable contribution of volunteers and community groups that strengthen local communities through service, leadership, and innovation.
The awards help to:
- Celebrate community leadership.
- Recognise volunteer achievements.
- Encourage greater community participation.
- Inspire future volunteers.
- Promote inclusion and positive social impact.
- Highlight successful community initiatives.
How to Submit a Nomination
Applicants should:
- Review the eligibility requirements and award categories.
- Select the most appropriate category for the nominee.
- Complete a separate nomination form for each nomination.
- Clearly describe the nominee’s voluntary contribution and community impact.
- Submit the completed nomination before the closing date.
Nomination Tips
- Choose the category that best reflects the nominee’s achievements.
- Provide clear examples of the nominee’s voluntary work.
- Highlight the positive impact on the local community.
- Explain the nominee’s long-term commitment and achievements.
- Ensure all eligibility requirements are satisfied before submitting the nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be nominated?
Individuals and community groups that have made significant voluntary contributions within the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough.
Can someone nominate themselves?
No. Self-nominations are not accepted for individual award categories.
Can family members submit nominations?
Immediate family members cannot nominate individuals for the awards.
How many nominations can one person submit?
A nominator may submit up to three nominations, but only one nomination may be made in each award category.
How much voluntary experience is required?
Most categories require at least two years of voluntary involvement, while the Under 18 Youth Volunteer Award requires a minimum of one year.
Does receiving multiple nominations improve the chances of winning?
No. The number of nominations received does not affect the assessment process.
Conclusion
The Community Awards 2026 recognise the exceptional efforts of volunteers and community groups who make a meaningful difference across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough. By celebrating leadership, service, and community impact, the awards encourage continued volunteerism and strengthen local communities.
For more information, visit Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.