Mid Sussex Applauds - new community awards announced

PR2225/JB/TC - 19/06/2019

Chairman Cllr Colin Trumble has announced the first round of brand new community awards, Mid Sussex Applauds. The Awards aim to highlight the fantastic work of individuals and organisations across the district, recognising our connections and celebrating our community.

Mid Sussex Applauds will encompass two previous award schemes: the Young Volunteer Awards and the Community Service Awards. In addition there are new categories for those who help keep the community clean and green, support active lifestyles and sport, or work to bring communities together. In total there are eight categories -

Stronger Communities – a community group or organisation that has helped to bring together cultures and communities through a local project or community activity

Young Achiever Award - against all the odds, someone who has overcome significant obstacles and made a positive difference to their own lives or to other young people through education, campaigning or helping another overcome a difficult situation or personal problem

Take Pride in Mid Sussex - This award will recognise residents who dedicate their time and energy into keeping Mid Sussex clean and green, take pride in their local area by creating community gardens, painting local spaces, upcycling or encouraging others to recycle.

Young Volunteer of the year - recognising those young people who have made a difference in their local community

Lifetime Achievement Award – an individual who has made a substantial commitment to the community in their lifetime

Stronger Together – an individual who has helped to bring together cultures and communities through a local project or community activity

Good Sport Award – a club or individual who has made an outstanding contribution to supporting activity or sport in Mid Sussex

Business in the Community Award – recognising a business which supports or makes a positive contribution to benefit and enhance community life

Mid Sussex District Council Chairman Councillor Colin Trumble commented, “We know that in this area we have fantastically supportive people who, whether individually or as part of an organisation, go above and beyond what is expected, for the benefit of their community. Mid Sussex Applauds is our chance to recognise this, tell their stories and celebrate these achievements.”

Residents are encouraged to take part in the straightforward nomination process which will open on 1st July and continue at www.midsussex.gov.uk/applauds until 31st August, when nominations close.

The very first Mid Sussex Applauds award ceremony will take place on Sunday 13th of October.

Local businesses and employers are being encouraged to get involved by supporting Mid Sussex Applauds, contact comms@midsussex.gov.uk to find out more.

ENDS

Photo – previous winners of Community Awards and Young Volunteer Awards joined up to launch Mid Sussex Applauds.

Pictured are - Back row

Jayne Hawkes from Kangaroos, a Mid Sussex charity which provides a range of fun, inclusive activities and trips for children with learning difficulties and special needs.

Sarah Howland from Stone Quarry Crew, volunteer led community café run for the benefit of the community in East Grinstead

Rosemary Griffiths organiser and frontline volunteer for Neighbourly Care, a local charity in Burgess Hill and Hassocks providing practical help to the elderly and housebound.

Front row

Jenny King and Josh Wells Kangaroos volunteers

Phil Todd organiser and driving force behind Mid Sussex Science Week, which brings primary school pupils and business ambassadors together to complete a science project and showcase it.

Alex Wilmore and Ruth Bedingham Kangaroos volunteers