Make a Difference
The Make A Difference Awards celebrate those who make life better for others in our communities.
Nominations are now open and close on Monday 31 March 2025, 5pm.
In September, we host special awards ceremonies across the UK, shining a light on those unsung heroes.
For more information and details, please visit our Awards page.
If you would like to nominate someone, click on the category below that you think they fit best in, then you will be able to complete the online form.
Click to nominate
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The Volunteer Award
This is awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.
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The Young Hero Award
This is awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
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Great Neighbour Award
This is awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.
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The Active Award
This is awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.
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The Animal Award
This is awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.
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The Green Award
This is awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.
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The Fundraiser Award
This is awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.
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The Community Group Award supported by Morning Live
This is awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.
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Visit our awards page
Find more details, category information, nomination tips and clips from previous winners.
About
What is Make a Difference?
We launched at the beginning of the Covid pandemic in March 2020, as a virtual notice board for those able to offer help and those needing support.
To date, over ten million people have got involved in Make a Difference across local and Nations BBC radio stations.
In September, we celebrate with local heroes at special awards ceremonies across the country, shining a light on people going above and beyond in their local communities.
Find out how the BBC radio station where you live is making a difference
Nations
Click here to find contact details to get in touch directly with stations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Discover more
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Podcasts and Series
Explore and listen to comedy, faith, politics and real-life stories from BBC radio teams local to you.
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BBC Introducing
Bringing together all of the BBC's supporters of unsigned music. Upload your music to your local BBC radio station.
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Upload
Sharing your audio, video, text and images on air and across local BBC radio digital platforms.
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A Voice for Nature
Sir David Attenborough invites us all to join him and speak up on behalf of planet Earth.
Helping you
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BBC Headroom
Headroom is the BBC’s toolkit for your mental health. Mindful tips. Mood mixes. Motivation.
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Get creative
BBC Arts brings together arts, culture and resources to help you be creative at home.
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All about the money
Advice, tips and links to help with finance and money management.
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Memory Radio
Designed to use music to help people reconnect with their most powerful memories.
Helping the family
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Behind the Bandana
Pudsey’s has removed his bandana to encourage conversations that can help.
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Tiny Happy People
Explore simple activities, play ideas and find out more about your child's early development.
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Learn and revise
BBC Bitesize shares lessons with videos, activities and more.
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BBC Young Reporter
Supporting young people to develop content creation skills and share their own stories.
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Explore
More from our campaigns, with useful links and information.
