UK Prime Minister launches Big Society Awards
23rd November 2010

The Prime Minister has launched a new award that will recognise some of the excellent examples of the Big Society in action taking place all around the country. As well as celebrating the fantastic work already being carried out in neighbourhoods in every region, the Prime Minister hopes that the Big Society Awards will inspire many more people to get involved in their community. Award winners will receive a certificate from the Prime Minister and will be invited to a regular Big Society Award Winners Reception at Downing Street.

The Prime Minister said: “There are some amazing projects and remarkable voluntary work going on in towns and cities up and down the country, by all kinds of organisations from large enterprises to tiny grassroots schemes and inspirational individuals.

“These awards are a chance to pay tribute to those making a valuable contribution to their community, the real champions of the Big Society, but perhaps more importantly, I hope they will motivate many others to take action, get involved and drive change in their area.”

Individuals, businesses, charities, community groups and other organisations are all eligible if they illustrate the Big Society in action.

These might be:

• People or groups who are bringing their community together and helping to give people more power to take decisions and shape their area
  
  
• People who are transforming our public services, staff setting up their own cooperatives, or new providers or frontline staff finding innovative ways to deliver better services to the public
  
  
• Or people who are giving their time and money to help others, the unsung heroes changing lives in every neighbourhood of the country.

People will be able to submit nominations via a form on the website. Nominees will then go through a selection process which will eventually involve a panel of previous winners and individuals from civil society organisations, Government and the private sector. The Awards kick off this week with the first winner, Central Surrey Health, a social enterprise providing community nursing and therapy services on behalf of NHS Surrey and other partners.

The Prime Minister said: “Congratulations to Central Surrey Health on becoming the very first Big Society Award winners. They are an excellent example of people on the front line taking a stake in their organisation, driving real improvements and shaping the service they provide. Their innovation and commitment has made a real difference to their community nursing and therapy services.”

Click here to visit 'The Big Society' awards website.